AFP expects more accomplishments vs. rebels

FILE: AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Edgard Arevalo (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expecting more “accomplishments” against the New People’s Army (NPA) following its success in neutralizing 14 rebels, and wounding and capturing another in Nasugbu, Batangas last Nov. 28, an official said.

This is very likely as military units have intensified their operations against the rebel group, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said late Thursday.

Now that the combat operations in Marawi City are over, the AFP has more troops to track down and engage rebel forces, he said.

“We can now refocus and redeploy our soldiers dun sa mga lugar na (NPA-infested) alinsunod na rin sa tagubilin ng ating Commander-in-Chief (We can now refocus and redeploy our soldiers to NPA-infested areas, based on the order of our Commander-in-Chief),” Arevalo said.

He noted that recent military operations against the NPA highlight the government’s resolve to eliminate the insurgency problem that has slowed down the country’s growth and development.

“The recent operations of the AFP should send a strong signal na desidido ang ating pamahalaan na wakasan na ang problemang ito na matagal nang nagbibigay ng sakit ng ulo, hindi lamang sa ating bansa, hindi lamang sa ating ekonomiya, kundi ganun na rin sa mga mamamayan natin na nandudun sa kanayunan na matagal nang naghahangad ng pangmatagalan na kapayapaan at ng tahimik na pamumuhay, (The recent operations of the AFP should send a strong signal that our government is determined to end this problem that has been a big headache, not only to the country, not only to the economy, but also to our fellowmen in the rural areas who have long wanted lasting peace and a quiet life.)” Arevalo said.