by Miriam G. Desacada
Tacloban City’xPresident Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) openly expressed his expectation that Northern Samar would be free of communist terrorists’ groups (CTGs) by the end of this year 2023.
PBBM cited the recent accomplishments of the 803rd Infantry “Peacemakers” Brigade (803rd IBde) as his barometer in determining that the military forces in Eastern Visayas will be able to fully dismantle these groups of terrorists months from now.
“I just received the briefing on the success rate of dismantling many fronts of these terrorists in the region. I was also given a very encouraging deadline when we could declare that we have dismantled all of the CTGs, and their fronts, by the end of the year and that is the result of your good work,” said PBBM.
“From the progress being made in Northern Samar, we are looking forward to declaring that province clear of CTGs by the end of the year,” said the president in his speech during his visit to the 803rd IBde headquarters at Cam Juan Ponce in Sumuroy, Northern Samar over the weekend.
The President said he knew that the men and women, and the officers of the 803rd IBde have been working vigorously towards a successful counterinsurgency operation. The President also took the opportunity to join the troops in a boodle fight during his visit.
PBBM, who joined the troops in a boodle fight, said he is eager to visit Northern Samar again at a time when he can officially declare that the province is already free from all forms of insurgency.
“The situation here is continuously getting better. I am very, very impatient already to come back here and to be with you when we declare your area of operation clear of any CTG formations, any CTG groups,” said the president.
PBBM dared the 803rd IBde to also bring all the rebels back into the fold of the law because the government is there to provide support and assistance to these people. “So, that is the plan. This is how we are going to move forward but this is all founded, it is all based, on the continuing good work that you put in every day,” he added.
Despite their accomplishments, President Marcos reminded the 803rd IBde not to let its guard down. “You are still in Northern Samar, on the frontline. So, do not let your guard down. Continue to do what you have been doing because it has been successful and effective. We can see that from the weakening of the enemy forces,” he said.
The 803rd IBde has been instrumental in degrading the strength of CTGs in the region with the surrender of over 6,200 of its sympathizers and personalities, and the dismantling of two guerilla fronts in Northern Samar.
“We have seen…..the increase in the firearms that have been neutralized and also the personalities that have been neutralized. Let us continue that trend,” said the president, as he urged them to continue working closely with the community. —Miriam G. Desacada