NPA, now weak, and on the run – AFP
By J.Lo
"Underground movement is no longer capable of implementing programs that will enable it to recruit new members, generate resources and establish united front to overthrow government," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar told media with its active guerrilla fronts dismantled, New People's Army (NPA) is "strategically defeated" and its remaining armed members across the country are now on the run. NPA is armed wing of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), whose political arm is National Democratic Front (NDF).
Aguilar said development should convince remaining NPA guerrillas to lay down their arms and return to fold of law.
AFP earlier announced elimination of active NPA guerrilla fronts in the country as result of military's "focused military operations."
"As of December, there are no more active CTG guerrilla fronts… continued focused military operations have resulted in neutralization of 67 high-value individuals who belong to communist and local terrorist groups," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
He said military dismantled eight NPA guerrilla fronts last year and weakened 14 others.
Military operations, he added, led to neutralization of 1,399 members of communist and local terrorist groups as well as to seizure and recovery of 1,751 firearms.
"Yes, they are weak, scattered and on the run…indeed, it's time for CPP-NPA-NDF to end armed struggle as expressed in Joint Oslo Communiqué," Aguilar maintained, referring to joint statement signed in Norwegian capital by Philippine government and NDF two parties agree on "principled and peaceful resolution of armed conflict" by addressing its roots.
"To save lives, especially hungry and exhausted NPA members, it should have moral courage to do it," Aguilar added.
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