AFP says redeployment of troops to help in fight vs. Reds

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said redeployment of government forces could help in intensifying its operations against communist groups.

AFP spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo told reporters that with the increasing number of areas placed under general community quarantine, more AFP personnel could be redeployed "to step up the tempo of focused military operations."

"Napalaking bagay ng redeployment at additional troops sa ating sustainment ng focused military operations. If our current deployments have already been reaping success, we are confident that the fresh troops that will be brought back to the frontlines will have a positive impact in our campaign against the CTG and the LTG," Arevalo said.

Arevalo assured the public that the military would "seize the momentum" given the string of success it had in the previous days.

He said from June 16 to 23, at least 10 communist rebels were killed during clashes with government forces while a total of 22 others have surrendered or were arrested by authorities.

Arevalo added that at least 26 weapons, an improvised explosive device, four rifle grenades, two electronic devices, and USBs containing information about the communist group were confiscated by troops.

Arevalo's remark came after President Rodrigo Duterte pronounced that communists were the biggest threat to the Philippines, not the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Duterte had said the fight against the New People’s Army “undermined the national security of the country.” —LDF, GMA News