Renewed military offensives against New People's Army guerilla fronts in Negros are expected to resume today, as the 22-day unilateral ceasefire observed by government forces peacefully ended yesterday, Col. Honorato de los Reyes, 303 rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

De los Reyes admitted that their focus for 2008 is to start dismantling the six guerilla fronts in Negros, which is the priority for clearing by the 3 rd Infantry Division in Western and Central Visayas .

Lt. Col. Erwin de Asis, 3 rd ID Public Information Officer, had earlier said that other guerilla fronts in Region 6 and 7 will be considered a second priority, after Negros .

The Army's 3 rd ID will send the 15 th Infantry Battalion, which is now undergoing re-training at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, to Negros island soon.

Communist guerillas also observed a four-day unilateral ceasefire on Dec. 24 and 25 last year, and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1 this year.

The Communist Party of the Philippines recently ordered NPA units all over the country, to accelerate tactical offensives and advances this year, and also claimed significant victories in guerilla warfare.

De los Reyes laughed off claims of the NPA allied groups that, with the planned deployment of more Army units in Negros , cases of human rights violations will increase.

He said Army troops have been constantly reminded to strictly observe rights of individuals in the conduct of military operations wherever they are assigned.

On the other hand, CPP spokesman Gregorio Rosal, in a statement he issued, said they anticipate that the NPA will be able to launch bigger and more frequent tactical offensives starting the first quarter of 2008.

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

Meanwhile, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, in a New Year's message sent to the 3 rd Infantry Division units, called on soldiers to renew their dedication and determination of protecting the people.

Maj. Gen. Jovenal Narcise, 3 rd ID commanding general, also reminded military commanders to increase their operational tempo in the campaign against the New People's Army.

Narcise, however, stressed the importance of self-discipline and strict observance of the human rights by soldiers, which is paramount in winning the hearts and minds of the masses, he said.*GPB

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