THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday claimed that the armed strength of the New People’s Army in the region area reduced by 25 percent.
“Collectively, the forces under Eastern Mindanao Command have been degraded,” said Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the commander of Joint Task Force Haribon. He said the barangays affected by the communist rebel also reduced.
But while saying the strength was down by 25 percent, Gapay did not give figure.
Gapay told reporters during Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press conference at Police Regional Office XI in Camp Quintin Merecido, said the reduction is due to their internal peace and security campaign under the Oplan Bayanihan.
He said 2016 was a very challenging and fulfilling year for them in terms of internal peace and security campaign against threat groups like the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
After the Oplan Bayanihan ended last Dec. 31, the AFP launched Oplan Kapayapaan.
“The Oplan Bayanihan was a success for the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Gapay said. “We have gain a lot and our efforts now is to preserve those gains so that we will now shift to development support.
For the Oplan Kapayapaan, Gabay said they will still work closely with the other security sectors and local government agencies.
“We have been very supportive (to the initiatives of) the local government units and national agencies in delivering services and implementing community-based livelihood projects in the far-flung areas in Eastern Mindanao,” Gabay said.
Gapay also revealed that under the new campaign they are tasked to also focus on anti-terrorism campaign.
In 2016, the AFP, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, apprehended members of the Maute terrorist group behind the Sept. 2 Roxas Night Market bombing.
Recently, the terrorist group, Al Khalifa Philippines under alias Tokboy Maguid, was neutralized during a joint operation conducted by the AFP-Philippines National Police (PNP).
Apart from the internal security, the AFP is also in full support to PNP drives against criminalities, particularly in its anti-illegal drug operation.
Gapay also lauded the President Rodrigo Duterte’s peace effort.
“So the peace initiative of the government is a welcome development,” Gapay said. “We are optimistic that this will be successful.”
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