Army says NPA no longer threatens midterm elections in Dumaguete

An Army official stated that the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, no longer poses a threat to the May 12 midterm elections in Dumaguete City.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, an Army spokesperson, confirmed on Tuesday night that communist insurgents are no longer capable of disrupting or influencing this year's elections due to ongoing military and civilian efforts.

Recent operations have dismantled 88 out of the 89 NPA guerilla fronts nationwide, leaving only a weakened front still operational.

Despite this progress, Army units remain on alert and will continue internal security operations to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

The Army has deployed troops to support election security measures, such as manning checkpoints and enforcing the gun ban from January 12 to June 11.

Dema-ala urged remaining communist insurgents to surrender immediately and contribute to national development initiatives.