The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), also known as the Spearhead Division, is nearing its goal of dismantling remaining local communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in its areas of responsibility by year’s end, citing sustained gains against guerrilla fronts across the Visayas.
Capt. Jessie Jun Ebalan, chief of the 3ID Public Affairs Office, said the military campaign has significantly reduced the manpower and firepower of the New People’s Army in Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, and parts of Central Visayas.
“We are on track. We are winning our campaign,” Ebalan said, noting that continuous operations have weakened the organizational capability of CTGs operating in the region.
A major milestone was reached in June when the National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council declared the Regional Sentro de Gravidad Madi-as, the regional striking force of Kilusang Rehiyon Panay, as dismantled.
“This is the vertical unit of KR-Panay—their regional striking force. Declaring it dismantled is a significant accomplishment,” Ebalan said.
The development earned the 3ID and its 301st Infantry Brigade the Armed Forces of the Philippines Campaign Streamer Award, conferred during the AFP’s 90th founding anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in attendance.
Military data showed that other guerrilla fronts within the division’s jurisdiction had already been declared dismantled in previous years, further narrowing the operating space of remaining CTG elements.
This year alone, the 3ID reported the neutralization of 15 CTG members in Panay, including four killed in encounters, one arrested, and 10 who surrendered. In the Negros Island Region, operations resulted in 14 CTG fatalities and the surrender of 23 individuals.
Authorities also recovered a total of 82 firearms through seizures, captures, and voluntary surrender—47 in Panay and 35 in the Negros Island Region.
Alongside combat operations, the division continues to push for reintegration efforts. At least 17 former rebels have received assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Under the program, each surrenderer receives Php65,000—Php15,000 in immediate assistance and P50,000 for livelihood support—excluding additional remuneration for surrendered firearms based on quantity and serviceability.
The 3ID also supported Philippine National Police operations against high-ranking CTG leaders. These included the implementation of a warrant that led to the death of Roberto Caballes, second deputy secretary of KR-Panay, and the arrest of Gaspar Matullano, a former KR-Panay secretary facing multiple warrants and carrying a P2.5-million bounty.
In Negros Occidental, four CTG members were neutralized during an encounter, while in Tapaz, Capiz, a wounded CTG member later surrendered to troops of the 301st Infantry Brigade.
With jurisdiction spanning Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, and Central Visayas, the 3rd Infantry Division said it remains focused on meeting its objective of ending local armed communist activity within the year.
“Our efforts will continue until the remaining threats are addressed,” Ebalan said, stressing that sustained security operations, law enforcement coordination, and reintegration programs remain essential to achieving lasting peace.IMT
