The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that all
its forces will be on alert for the coming 46th founding anniversary of the New
People's Army (NPA) this coming Dec. 26.
This was announced by Col. Restituto Padilla, AFP
spokesperson, Tuesday.
He made this statement when asked what the military will do
this coming Dec. 26.
"Well, the AFP will be on alert but will not launch any
kind of offensive operation and again the AFP and the government looks
hopefully, is hopeful that they (NPAs) reconsider renouncing their armed
struggle and instead join the mainstream (and) participate in the political
system without the arms and help bring about a much more peaceful and
progressive Philippines for the betterment of all our citizens," he added.
Earlier, the AFP has declared a suspension of military
offensive starting midnight Dec. 19 and will end on midnight Jan. 19.
And when asked on whether the NPAs are still relevant at
this stage, Padilla said the numbers of the rebels have been greatly reduced
through the years.
"I think there is a clear realization among the
population that we need peace, we need to secure our countryside and renounce
violence because for as long as these problems continue, the progress is
impeded, and progress which is supposed to be for the benefit of the big bulk
of our citizenry," the AFP spokesperson said.
Padilla estimates the number of rebels still active across
the country at around 4,000.
He added that end of the rebel movement will come once their
leaders and followers realized that their struggle is not going anywhere.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=718876
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