TACLOBAN CITY: The new commander of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division, Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, has committed to enhancing the whole-of-nation approach to address the insurgency issues in the Leyte and Samar provinces of Eastern Visayas. This strategy is aimed at uniting various sectors in the quest to end the longstanding rebellion in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, Major Gen. Orio emphasized the significance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, local government leaders, peace partners, and the community in tackling the insurgency problem. He stated, "I strongly believe that we cannot solve our longstanding insurgency problem through military solutions alone. A proactive and effective whole-of-nation approach is essential to achieving our goal." Orio has pledged to intensify the enforcement of Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation strategy to eliminate local communist armed conflicts. This initiative has garn ered support from local government units, stakeholders, and the private sector. Additionally, he urged the troops to carry out their responsibilities with utmost dedication, acknowledging the public's reliance on the military for peace and development in their communities. The military has previously indicated that the deaths, surrender, and capture of high-ranking leaders of the New People's Army (NPA) will further weaken the communist terrorist group's influence in Eastern Visayas. The region, particularly Samar Island, is regarded as the final stronghold of insurgency in the country. Recent military actions have dismantled NPA front committees, forcing the remaining members to reorganize into a sub-regional guerilla unit. Although active fighters remain on Samar Island, they no longer hold control over any village in the three Samar provinces, as reported by the Philippine Army. Major Gen. Orio took command of the 8th Infantry Division on November 7, succeeding Brig. Gen. Perfecto Peñaredondo, who served as the acting commander for over a month and has now returned to his previous role as assistant division commander. Orio, an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy 'Tanglaw-Diwa' Class of 1992, formerly commanded the 402nd Infantry Brigade based in Butuan City before his current appointment to lead the Army unit in Eastern Visayas.