AFP ”close” to ending communist armed group threat by 2022

December 14, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is "close" to its goal to end the threat of the communist armed group after more than 200 members of New People's Army (NPA) were killed and thousands surrendered in 2020

"I can confidently say that we are close to realizing our goal of totally destroying this communist armed threat by 2022," Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Gilbert Gapay said on Saturday.

"With operational excellence, organizational efficiency, and the steady support of our people, we can achieve the complete victory we've been aiming for," he added.

Capt. Jonathan Zata, AFP public affairs chief, said based on information from military units, a total of 201 rebels were killed during  internal security operations in 2020.

Zata said the AFP also recorded a total of 7,615 fighters, militias, propagandists, and underground organization members and supporters have returned to the fold of law.

"Some 264 more were arrested in joint law enforcement operations by the Philippine National Police and the military in the same period," he said.

The New People's Army's troop strength is estimated at 3,500, according to Major General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson.

Gapay also lauded AFP units who have posted significant accomplishments, especially in taking down notorious communist leaders in their area of responsibility.

"The NPAs are now in disarray as more of their leaders fall against our concerted efforts," he said.

"This, paired with the effort of the National Task Force on Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict to expose their modus of recruiting the youth, further strengthens our position in ending this decades old problem," he added.

Among the recent accomplishment of the AFP includes the arrest of Jose Bernardino, who was at the forefront of extortion and labor and youth radicalization in Central Luzon.

Zata said Bernardino was arrested in Mexico, Pampanga by joint police and military operatives under the Northern Luzon Command on December 4.

"He was in possession of a cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, and documents with high intelligence value," he said.

Zata said the arrest of Bernardino came two days after Amanda Echanis alias Waya, an alleged NPA finance officer in Cagayan Valley, was apprehended by government forces serving a search warrant in Baggao municipality.

"Also arrested on December 4 is Marilou Pascual Tan, who goes by the name of Ka Tinay, a notorious terrorist leader in Bicol region, by virtue of a warrant of arrest for frustrated murder," he said.

"She was arrested in TInambac, Camarines Sur  and found in her possession were anti-personnel mines, a hand grenade, a caliber .38 pistol, and documents of high intelligence value," she added.

In Western Mindanao, another high-ranking communist terrorist identified as Romeo Libron, an alleged NPA commander with four others were killed in a joint law enforcement operation in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on December 2. Robina Asido/DMS