NPA chest-thumping as number continues to drop: army
THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) yesterday said they are trying to sustain their momentum as the strength of the New People’s Army (NPA) has dwindled in recent months.
This is the reason why they are escalating their attacks on military detachments, construction companies and agri-plantations, said Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of Joint Task Force Haribon in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel.
“That’s what they want to project that they are still a force to contend with, but they continue to decline even before the all-out war against the NPA,” he said, adding that the rebel group is even forcing communities to join the recruitment to increase its numbers.
“Naturally, there’s going to be atrocities to attract the attention of the government. The problem is the communities, especially in remote areas, end up being burdened.”
He claimed that the NPAs strength based on their estimates went down from 2,000 to 1,500 with almost the same number of firearms.
“Overall, there is 25 percent reduction in terms of membership and in terms of the number of firearms and this continues to decline as we continue our operation against them,” he further said.
Gapay also said the troops will continue their operations against the New People’s Army in the hinterlands of the city.
Nevertheless, the military welcomes the offer of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to talk with the NPAs in light of the lifting of the ceasefire order. As a show of support, he said they can “ease up the pressure” against the NPA for the time being.
For now, they continue to monitor the activities and movement of the rebels in Paquibato, Marilog and Toril. In their patrols, he claimed that they recovered some landmines on areas with heavy foot traffic.
New clashes
Meanwhile, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said another encounter ensued for about 40 minutes between troops of 71st Infantry Battalion and communist rebels at Purok 6, Sta. Fe, New Corella and Davao del Norte around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
This is the reason why they are escalating their attacks on military detachments, construction companies and agri-plantations, said Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of Joint Task Force Haribon in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel.
“That’s what they want to project that they are still a force to contend with, but they continue to decline even before the all-out war against the NPA,” he said, adding that the rebel group is even forcing communities to join the recruitment to increase its numbers.
“Naturally, there’s going to be atrocities to attract the attention of the government. The problem is the communities, especially in remote areas, end up being burdened.”
He claimed that the NPAs strength based on their estimates went down from 2,000 to 1,500 with almost the same number of firearms.
“Overall, there is 25 percent reduction in terms of membership and in terms of the number of firearms and this continues to decline as we continue our operation against them,” he further said.
Gapay also said the troops will continue their operations against the New People’s Army in the hinterlands of the city.
Nevertheless, the military welcomes the offer of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to talk with the NPAs in light of the lifting of the ceasefire order. As a show of support, he said they can “ease up the pressure” against the NPA for the time being.
For now, they continue to monitor the activities and movement of the rebels in Paquibato, Marilog and Toril. In their patrols, he claimed that they recovered some landmines on areas with heavy foot traffic.
New clashes
Meanwhile, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said another encounter ensued for about 40 minutes between troops of 71st Infantry Battalion and communist rebels at Purok 6, Sta. Fe, New Corella and Davao del Norte around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
The troops encountered around 20 members of Guerilla Front 33, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
At about 3 p.m. of the same day, two MG520 took off from TOG11, Barangay Sasa, Buhangin District to provide air support to troops at Purok 6, Barangay Sta. Fe.
Yesterday early morning, the Owabangon CAA detachment based at Sitioo Owabangon, Barangay San Jose, Boston, Davao Oriental was attacked by NPAs believed to be members of GF20, SMRC.
At about 3 p.m. of the same day, two MG520 took off from TOG11, Barangay Sasa, Buhangin District to provide air support to troops at Purok 6, Barangay Sta. Fe.
Yesterday early morning, the Owabangon CAA detachment based at Sitioo Owabangon, Barangay San Jose, Boston, Davao Oriental was attacked by NPAs believed to be members of GF20, SMRC.
Firefight lasted for about three minutes before the rebels withdrew.
Based on their record, there were 251 clashes between soldiers and NPAs since the lifting of the ceasefire by President Rodrigo Duterte. They also killed and captured 63 rebels while 42 surrendered. In the same period, 23 IEDs and 19 firearms were recovered.
Based on their record, there were 251 clashes between soldiers and NPAs since the lifting of the ceasefire by President Rodrigo Duterte. They also killed and captured 63 rebels while 42 surrendered. In the same period, 23 IEDs and 19 firearms were recovered.
Batchar also said around 100 families in Bansalan, Davao del Sur left their homes over the weekend when troops of 39th IB clashed with the rebels.
“We are already coordinating with the local government unit in order to address the areas that are affected by the armed conflict,” he further said.
Brig. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commander of 100st Infantry Brigade, said they are fighting nine NPA units in their area of responsibility. The 100st is operating in the areas of Compostela Valley, Asuncion, Davao del Norte and Trento in Agusan Del Sur.
“We are already coordinating with the local government unit in order to address the areas that are affected by the armed conflict,” he further said.
Brig. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commander of 100st Infantry Brigade, said they are fighting nine NPA units in their area of responsibility. The 100st is operating in the areas of Compostela Valley, Asuncion, Davao del Norte and Trento in Agusan Del Sur.
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