President Arroyo on Thursday ordered an all-out offensive against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army during the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ command conference in Malacañang.

The government considers the CPP-NPA a threat to the country, the economy, the government and the Filipinos.

Some 13 newly-appointed generals and senior officers of the military took their oath during the command conference. Those who took oath were Major Generals Rodolfo Obaniana and Fernando Manalo; Rear Admiral Rufino Lopez Jr.; and Brigadier Generals Fernando Niduaza, Alfredo Cayton Pedro Fernando, Edgardo Gurrea, Arnulfo Ylanan, Reynaldo Bangit, Arsenio Arugay, Fernando Zabat and Ruperto Rico Borromeo.

Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor said while the Communist Party membership is not expanding, it continues to disturb the economy and the country’s progress.

He said besides intensified campaign against the rebels, the President also ordered the strengthening of intelligence agencies.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the command conference focused more on the NPA threats. Coup threats were only discussed in passing, concerning possible links between the communist-terrorist group and Magdalo mutineers.

Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, commander of the Philippine Army, said the military have documents showing that “the Magdalo might have been misled into having tactical alliance" with the NPAs.

He said they are still verifying the veracity of these documents. GMANEWS.TV