AFP: We’re winning war against NPA in Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27): AFP: We’re winning war against NPA in Mindanao

Cagayan De Oro City – The government is winning the war against communist insurgents in Northeastern and Northern Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared yesterday.

“Clearing all communist fronts, winning the hearts and minds, and our peace and development programs have given the government the upper hand against communist insurgents,” said regional Army spokesman Maj. Leo Bongosia of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID).

“Their (NPA’s) terroristic activities also made rural folks support our peace and development programs on the ground,” Bongosia said.

Since April 26 this year, the Army has recovered eight high-powered and eight other firearms from the insurgents in 26 government-initiated encounters, Bongosia said.

In two separate encounters in Surigao del Norte and Bukidnon, two government soldier died, four NPA rebels were killed, and four former rebels in Agusan del Sur surrendered with firearms, he said.

Together with the firearms recovered were rounds of ammunition; including 825 rounds for M16; 670 rounds for M14; 1,531 rounds for AK47; 90 rounds for Carbine; 15 rounds for Cal. 45, and 10 hand grenades, he said.

Since January this year, the military has killed 11 NPA rebels, recovered 20 high-powered firearms and 22 low-powered-firearms, while 29 NPA rebels surrendered, Bongosia said.

“These favorable results were owed to our dedicated troops and our relentless combat operations in maintaining peace and security in the region especially during the recently concluded May elections,” he said.

“Under the spirit of “Bayanihan,” the 4th ID has its door wide-open for those who want to surrender their arms, leave the struggle, and live peacefully with their families and friends without fear and intimidation,” Bongosia added.

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