Eastmincom notes fewer atrocities committed by CPP-NPA in 2019

Atrocities committed by communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) in Eastern Mindanao were down to just nine for the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the 45 atrocities committed in the first quarter of 2018, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said on Friday.

"With these improvements we expect a faster delivery of services in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and formerly conflict affected areas," the Eastmincom said in a statement.

According to Philippine military data, 38 atrocities were committed in the second quarter of 2018, 46 in the third quarter, 28 in the fourth quarter, 23 in the first quarter of 2019, 24 in the second quarter, and 17 in the third quarter to nine in the fourth quarter.

The Eastmincom said that the recent downtrend was due to the surrender of 696 regular New People's Army gunmen, the arrest of 85, and the death of 56 others during encounters, as well as the reduction of firearms.

A total of 689 firearms were surrendered by rebels, while 346 were captured during encounters.

With the help of communities, the military was also able to track down CTGs, leading to 275 encounters and the discovery of 302 hideouts.

Meanwhile, 17 soldiers, 15 members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, and three Philippine National Police members had died in an effort to end the local communist armed conflict. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News