THE administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed confidence the remaining guerilla fronts in the Philippines would be reduced to zero before yearend.
Citing significant decline in the number of communist-terrorist groups, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told a Palace briefing that the strength of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels has decreased significantly to 1,111 members this year from 2,200 in 2023.
“In terms of the strength of the New People’s Army, ay talagang mahinang-mahina na sila. So, they only have about 1,111 fighters left from the 2,200 last year. So, that is a big reduction in their manpower,” Brawner said.
Brawner said the number of firearms the NPA rebels possess has also dropped dramatically and their guerilla fronts have been cut from seven to four.
“And we are expecting by the end of the year, we will have finished all the guerilla fronts. We will have reduced them to zero,” Brawner said
Brawner said most of the insurgents have signified their intention to surrender and return to society.
However, Brawner said the government can’t let its guard down, stressing that combat operations will continue.
National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Undersecretary and Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. said the government is committed to remaining vigilant against terrorist groups.
“We have to continue working together to be more vigilant even if we have already severely degraded their capability to conduct violent actions, or terrorism. We have to be continuously vigilant and supportive of the different socio-economic development programs of the government,” he said.
Brawner said the government is also working to encourage members of terrorist groups to return to society.
“Magbalik na lang sila nang sa ganun, ang sinasabi namin sa kanila, malapit na ‘yung pasko at maganda, mas maganda na magbalik loob kayo and then makasama ninyo ‘yung mga mahal niyo sa buhay,” he said.
Brawner said insurgents will receive benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local integration Program (ECLIP) if they surrender.
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