Philippine Military Declares Communist Rebels Incapable of Major Operations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday that the communist insurgents are no longer able to carry out large-scale 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 hindered their ability to recruit new members. During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Padilla emphasized the weakened state of the insurgents. Despite the possibility of retaliatory attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the CPP, Padilla assured that the AFP is prepared to counter any such actions. She expressed confidence in the ground commanders’ readiness to handle the situation. Padilla also mentioned that the AFP will persist with its internal security operations to eliminate the remaining communist insurgents as quickly as possible. She noted a significant reduction in active guerrilla fronts, from seven at the beginning of the year to just one currently, indicating progress towards their targets. In January, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed the AFP to decisively end the insurgency in the country.