Gov’t forces alerted to intensified NPA attacks

Government forces have been alerted in anticipation of intensified attacks following the termination of the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

This is according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo

Guerrero who made the remarks after President Duterte signed Proclamation 360 that terminated the government’s peace negotiations with the CPP-NPANDF.

“We expect the NPAs to intensify their attacks against innocent and defenseless targets,” Guerrero said. “My directive to the troops is to intensify our focused military operations to destroy the NPA, and to protect our communities against terrorism.”

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr, commander of the AFP- Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-East-MinCom) has directed it subordinate units to raise security posture and prevent the NPAs from conducting atrocities against communities, economic establishments, military posts and personnel.

“We have to be vigilant, intensify our monitoring and be pro-active in order to prevent them from terrorizing communities; their actions in the previous months reflect their character and intent,” Madrigal said.

“While our government exerted its best effort to reach out to their group to end this insurgency through peace agreement, the CPP-NPA-NDF has reciprocated it with treachery, acts of violence and hostilities, he added.

More focused operations AFP spokesman Major General Restituto Padilla, said there will be more focused military operations in the country especially in Mindanao, against the NPA terrorists now that talks have been terminated.

Padilla said that in the case of Mindanao, the implementation of martial law will continue to address the movement not only of the NPAs but also the presence of other terrorist elements and criminals.

“As what was mentioned previously, and announced by our Chief of Staff, our mandate under the constitution is clear so we will continue to perform our mandate and help ensure the security and safety of our all communities,” Padilla said.

NPA forces

Padilla said the total strength of the CPP-NPA is more or less 3,800 fighters nationwide, based on reports. He said that number hardly changes but the NPAs continue to recruit members.

Padilla said that government expects the communists to show-off that they are still a force to reckon with especially after the termination of the peace talks.

He added that they expect the CPPNPA to continue to conduct ‘economic sabotage’ by intensifying extortion activities, burning infrastructure and heavy equipment which will affect the lives of poor communities.

Since the start of the year, 64 AFP/ PNP/CAFGU members have died, while 127 were reported wounded, due to NPA atrocities, Padilla said.

Meanwhile, some 70 civilians, including a four-month-old baby, have been killed in NPA attacks.

Padilla said 391 NPA fighters and 66 supporters have surrendered to the military.