The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday that the communist insurgents are no longer in a position to execute large-scale military operations. This statement comes as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) approaches its 56th founding anniversary on December 26. According to AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, the rebels’ capabilities have significantly diminished, and they are facing a leadership crisis, which has also hampered their ability to attract new recruits. During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Padilla emphasized that the insurgents’ weakened state prevents them from launching significant attacks. Despite this, there are concerns that the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed faction of the CPP, might attempt retaliatory strikes to commemorate their anniversary. Padilla assured that the AFP is prepared to counter any such moves, with ground commanders fully aware of the situation and ready to respond. The AFP remains committed to its internal security operations aimed at eliminating the remaining communist threats in the country as swiftly as possible. Padilla noted that the number of active guerrilla fronts has reduced from seven at the beginning of the year to just one, aligning with the AFP’s strategic goals. In January, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed the AFP to decisively end the nation’s insurgency problem.
Philippine Military Declares Communist Rebels Unable to Mount Large-Scale Attacks
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