Tacloban: The Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade is set to launch more aggressive operations against the remaining members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Leyte Island and parts of Samar provinces following the expiration of an ultimatum on July 15. Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Brigade, stated that plans are in place to fully eradicate the insurgency in the region if the rebels refuse to surrender.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ultimatum offers cash assistance to groups of rebels from the same province if they surrender together. Vestuir emphasized that this approach aims to encourage NPA members to persuade their leaders and fellow fighters to give up the armed struggle. The amount of financial aid, however, was not disclosed.

The government has been assisting those who abandon the armed struggle, and the ultimatum consolidates this assistance for groups of surrenderers. This strategy is intended to motivate NPA members to convince their leaders and comrades to surrender. Vestuir highlighted that military operations will intensify after July 15 to completely free communities from insurgent threats, emphasizing that the ultimatum is beneficial for rebels aiming to reunite with their families.

The ultimatum follows the Friends Rescued Engagement through Their Families (FReE Families) program, which aims to counteract hate spread by NPA propagandists and address the danger and anxiety faced by families of NPA members. The initiative leverages familial love to encourage active NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and pursue a peaceful life.

Since 2023, several NPA members in Leyte and Samar provinces have responded to these calls. The Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade's area of operation includes the entire Leyte Island, Biliran province, southern part of Samar, and southern part of Eastern Samar. Vestuir reported that there are currently only 34 active NPA fighters within their areas of operation.