The Army's 11th Infantry Battalion is now stepping up its Special Operations Team campaign in the five remaining rebel infiltrated barangays in central Negros, its commander Lt. Col. Jess Manangquil said.

Manangquil yesterday said the SOT campaign is aimed at destroying the political and military structures of the CPP-NPA in the five barangays, which he refused to identify, as well as helping government agencies deliver basic services to residents.

The 11th IB also teamed up with the 61st Infantry Battalion in military operations conducted in Negros Island, aimed at keeping the New People's Army on the run.

Lt. Col. Norman Flores, 61st IB commander, said they expect a retaliatory attack from the NPA after the seizure of their training camp in Cauayan, that also led to a series of armed skirmishes that claimed the lives of three rebels.

One of the slain rebels was identified by the military as former CAFGU member-turned-rebel Rex Parreño of Brgy. Gatuslao, Candoni.

Manangquil said he has received reports that the NPA guerillas are now avoiding confrontation with soldiers, but have some new recruits.

The upland areas of Guihulngan, Oriental Negros, have been classified by the military as the "center of gravity" of the Komiteng Rehiyonal - Negros.*GPB

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