AFP willing to give quarter to surrendering rebels despite 'all-out-war' declaration

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): AFP willing to give quarter to surrendering rebels despite 'all-out-war' declaration

Despite the government's announcement that it will be waging "all-out-war" against the New People's Army (NPA), the military is still willing to give quarter to rebels wishing to surrender and live a normal life with their loved ones.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said implementing this phase will show the government's willingness to fight and preserve peace in the country.

He also expressed hope that the overwhelming force that will be employed by the AFP will convince many of the rebels to voluntarily surrender.

"We are hoping (that the all-out-war) will encourage the surrender of most of their people and are now wanting to be part of the mainstream citizens of our country," Arevalo stressed.

The AFP official added these individuals will be given every consideration possible and will be aided by the government in their reintegration to mainstream society.

Arevalo also assured the public that its "all-out-war" concept will not be indiscriminate in the conduct of its operations to prevent needless civilian casualties.

"Well, when you talk about all-out-war, it means that we are going to make use of all available assets of our AFP to accomplish our mission, by 'all-out-war'. However, we do not mean that we are going to be indiscriminate in our conduct of operations. Our operations will always and has always been focused and determined but we are not going to be indiscriminate," he noted.

Arevalo said the government offensive against the NPAs will not be pressured by a deadline or timeline.

The AFP public affairs chief added that the military offensive will be well planned, surgical in approach and deliberate as it's intention to defeat the NPA not only militarily but also their infrastructure and support system, and destroy their will to fight.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962027