Negros Island: The New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, no longer poses a threat to the conduct of the May 12 midterm elections, an Army official stated on Monday. Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, the commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, reported that all three guerilla fronts of the NPA in Negros Island have been dismantled, indicating no significant threat from the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

According to Philippines News Agency, while some NPA remnants remain active, recent military engagements in November and January resulted in the deaths of nine suspected rebels. This has forced the insurgents into a defensive stance, particularly in Negros Oriental.

Certain areas in Negros Oriental were previously classified under code orange due to the presence of CTGs. However, Escanillas clarified that these classifications were linked to past elections when the guerilla fronts had not yet been dismantled.

Escanillas further noted that the Army has not detected any extortion activities targeting candidates in the region's upcoming elections. The Philippine Army has deployed troops to assist the Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police in ensuring security. This includes manning checkpoints and enforcing the gun ban during the election period from January 12 to June 11.

The troop deployment will continue to adapt based on the evolving security situation.