Military declares Tanay in Rizal as NPA-free area

Rizal map. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Tanay town in Rizal has been declared free from the presence of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), the Philippine Army said on Thursday.

The 2nd Infantry Division made the declaration in a ceremony in Tanay Municipal Hall on Monday, led by division commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong along with other local government officials.

The ceremony also witnessed the redeclaration of the NPA and its political wing Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front as persona non-grata in the said town.

“The declaration of Tanay as ‘insurgency-free’ is a testament to our unwavering dedication and collective efforts,” Capulong said in a statement.

“This achievement represents a significant stride towards a peaceful and prosperous future not only for Tanay but the entire Rizal province,” he added.

Established on March 29, 1969, the NPA has currently around 2,112 forces with 1,800 weapons in its arsenal, according to latest military estimates.

To date, the National Security Council said the NPA holds a strong presence in Northern Samar.

READ: AFP redeploys Mindanao-based troops to known NPA hotbed Samar, Panay | AFP vows to dismantle remaining communist guerrilla fronts before year-end

At its height, it had 25,000 members in 1987, according to Philippine military estimates.

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JPV