Bongbong Marcos admin targets to declare N. Samar ‘clear of CTGs’ by end-2023

Northern Samar map. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is eyeing to make Northern Samar free from so-called communist terrorist groups (CTGs) by the end of this year.

Marcos was briefed about the military’s success rate in its efforts to dismantle CTGs in Northern Samar during his visit to Camp Juan Ponce in Sumuroy, Northern Samar on Friday, July 14.

“And I was also given a very encouraging deadline that….we will have dismantled all of the communist terrorist groups (CTG) fronts by the end of the year and that is the result of your good work,” the President said in a speech.

“From the progress being made in Northern Samar, we are looking forward to declaring that province clear of CTGs by the end of the year,” he added.

READ: Bongbong Marcos hopes new coastal road may help improve peace in Samar

According to Marcos, he “is very impatient” to revisit the province to declare that it already is free from all forms of insurgencies. But he likewise advised the 803rd Infantry Brigade to remain cautious as dangers on the frontline still exist.

“You are still now in Northern Samar, on the frontline. Do not let your guard down. Continue to do what you have been doing [because], as I said, it has been successful, it has been effective and we can see that from the weakening of the enemy forces,” he said.

Marcos said his administration will “strive hard”to provide the military with necessary tools, equipment, and training, repeating that the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue under his administration.

READ: Bongbong Marcos: AFP modernization to continue ‘to address present dangers’ PH is facing

“Not only for internal security operations but also for countering possible external threats,” he added.

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