ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Philippine Army operating in Western Visayas noted an increase in the number of rebel returnees since early this year.

Major General Jose Mabanta, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said that there has been a series of surrenders from the New People's Army (NPA) since February, this year.

"We have accounted for 20 since I took over," Mabanta said during an interaction with media practitioners recently, adding that he will pursue efforts to reduce by half the strength of the NPA in the Division's coverage area.

3ID serves as vanguard of peace and security in the areas of Panay Island, Guimaras, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental.

"The Army is sincere in its offer of peace. We will ensure the personal safety of those who will choose to lay down their arms and peacefully return to their families," Mabanta noted in the 3ID's official publication Spearhead Magazine.

He also underscored the overrun of the biggest NPA camp in Panay Island by soldiers last April at the boundary of barangays Nayawan and Lahug in Tapaz, Capiz.

The surrender of NPA members is mainly attributed to the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) also known as Oplan Bayanihan, which brings the Philippine Army's peace and development efforts to the communities.

However, the army official admitted that the division needs a lot of hardwork and cooperation of all of the various stakeholders in the effort to win peace in the region.*PIA