AFP intensifies anti-insurgency campaign as NPA 49th anniversary nears

From GMA News Online (Mar 20): AFP intensifies anti-insurgency campaign as NPA 49th anniversary nears

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said it has intensified its offensives in anticipation of possible attacks and atrocities to be launched by the New People's Army which will mark its 49th founding anniversary next week.

In a statement, military spokesperson Brigadier General Bienvenido Datuin said military forces "will continue to be on a proactive stance against all threats of violence and will exert every effort to preserve the peace in every locality" ahead of the outlawed group's anniversary on March 29.

Datuin said the rebel attacks against the people, including on government troops, are "terroristic in nature" and shows the "clear reflection of their true color as a criminal and terrorist organization."

"In the NCR (National Capital Region) they have staged rallies and protest actions that caused massive traffic that affected motorists and commuters. They have repeatedly done such actions that disturbed the peace of the place and pestered law abiding citizens," he added.

Datuin earlier said they have yet to see the sincerity of the communist rebels before returning to the peace negotiations as they have seemed to continue with their atrocities.

President Rodrigo Duterte has officially terminated the government's peace negotiations with the communist rebels in November last year. On March 6, he said that he would consider resuming peace negotiations with the rebels if they will declare a "ceasefire."

In December last year, Duterte signed a proclamation categorizing the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA as terrorist groups.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/647221/afp-intensifies-anti-insurgency-campaign-as-npa-49th-anniversary-nears/story/