“We will not just hit them; but we will hit them hard for the protection of the Filipino people whom we are serving!”
This was the pronouncement of the commander of the Joint Task Force SPEAR, who was apprised of the insurgency situation in the Southern and Central Negros Island by the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division, the press release from the Philippine Army said.
JTF SPEAR commander Major General Eric Vinoya Commander, concurrently also commander of 3rd Infantry Division visited the Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operations Task Force Operations Center in Sitio Tuyuman, village of Caradio-an, Himamaylan City yesterday.
The joint task force was created to maintain peace and order to maintain economic stability in the Island. One of its tasks is to neutralize rebels and rebel activity in the island.
Vinoya lauded the efforts of the JEMPO TF, saying the “higher units of the AFP together with the PNP in West and Central Visayas are ecstatic” with what the task force has achieved so far, as what it continues to do in Central and Southern Negros.
“We are thankful for your unselfish job to accomplish the mission despite you have not fully availed and enjoyed the holiday season with your respective family,” he said.
Vinoya was briefed by 302nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Leonardo Pena, who is also the designated JEMPO TF Commander in Negros.
He was apprised of the ongoing operational activities to sustain the gains in Central and Southern Negros against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front, as well as the Law Enforcement Support Operations (LESO).
The area of operations of the JEMPO task force is crucial in “establishing an environment conducive for peace and development in Negros Island”, the press release added.
Peña, the press statement added, “was elated” during Vinoya’ visit.
The visit, the press release said, “boosts the morale of the operating troops under the JEMPO TF.”
“Together with the PNP partners, we are truly thankful to the Commander JTF Spear not only for his visit; but for his confidence with the JEMPO Task Force in accomplishing its mandate at Central and Southern Negros,” Pena in the statement said, adding, “The JEMPO TF in Negros Island will continue to hunt down the remaining terrorists in the area to finally eradicate them and prevent them from plaguing not only Negros Provinces but the whole country, as well.”
