Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has said that government forces all over the country are on alert in anticipation of intensified attacks from the New People’s Army.
“Yes, 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.”
“We are intensifying our focused military operations to address these atrocities by the NPAs,” he added.
AFP spokesman Major Gen. Restituto Padilla said there will be more focused military operations nationwide, especially in Min-danao, against the NPA following President Duterte’s formal cancellation of the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.
Padilla said martial law being implemented in Mindanao will address not only the NPA but also terrorists and criminals.
“As what 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.
Padilla said that there are approximately 3,800 NPA fighters nationwide.
He said the NPA continues to recruit more members that enables them to maintain a constant number of fighters. (Francis T. Wakefield)