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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP chief: Neutralizing the NPA before Duterte leaves in June a gargantuan task

AFP chief: Neutralizing the NPA before Duterte leaves in June a gargantuan task

Published Jan 26, 2022 03:01 pm

Neutralizing the insurgency before President Duterte bows out of office in June is a gargantuan task, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Andres S. Centino on Wednesday, Jan. 26 said.

Centino reported that just last year, they saw a "very significant increase in our operational successes" in terms of neutralization of alleged rebels and guerilla fronts, and clearing of barangays from the influence of communist insurgents.

From what seemed to be an impossible task, the AFP has been able to neutralize top Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders, according to Centino who added that the insurgency problem could not be solved by military means alone.

Thus President Duterte’s Executive Order 70 is needed because all government agencies were tapped in going to far-flung areas to implement multi-pronged strategies.

Centino said that the government, after the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Force (NTF-ELCAC) through EO 70, has reduced guerrilla fronts from 4,000 to 2,800.

Within the last five months of the Duterte administration, Centino said he is confident that government would be able to achieve victory with all hands on deck.

What the AFP achieved in one year is equivalent to achievements in five years, Centino told Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs committee, in today’s hybrid hearing by the National Defense committee of the Commission on Appointments.

The CA later confirmed Centino’s appointment as a four-star general.

Dela Rosa commended AFP officers for their efforts in fighting members of the New People's Army as ordered as they are supported by President Duterte and the NTF-ELCAC.

"I would like heartily to congratulate you for your efforts," Dela Rosa told the AFP,’’ he added.

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