Military won’t stop operations vs NPA in exchange for captives’ release–Lorenzana

From the Manila Times (Jan 18, 2019): Military won’t stop operations vs NPA in exchange for captives’ release–Lorenzana

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao: The Armed Forces of the Philippines will not stop operations against communist rebels, even after their armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), expressed plans to release the 12 militiamen and soldiers in exchange for a halt to offensives, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday.

“No. The Cafgu (Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit) and the military men captured know that if they are captured, we will go through the process, but [there will be] no stop in our operations, especially since we are winning,” Lorenzana said in an interview here.

Lorenzana’s statement comes after the NPA based in the Northeastern Mindanao Region said it has been preparing the release of their soldier captives but on the condition that there should be a stop to military operations in the area.

On Dec. 20, 2018, 12 the NPA abducted Cafgu men and two soldiers from the Special Forces at a patrol base in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

https://www.manilatimes.net/military-wont-stop-operations-vs-npa-in-exchange-for-captives-release-lorenzana/498418/