AFP chief Gapay tells Southern Luzon troops to ‘double down mission’ vs. NPAs

Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay has called on soldiers from the Southern Luzon Command to "double down their mission" against communist rebels.

"We must prove through our actions the qualities that distinguish the Filipino soldier. Always remain respectful and humble. We should never be complacent and sit down on our laurels. We should always do our jobs and accomplish them to the best of our abilities," Gapay told Solcom during his visit in Camp Nakar on Monday.

Gapay is elated that Solcom "continues to gain ground in sustaining our joint and interagency operations that have resulted in the significant reduction of communist insurgents in your area of responsibility."

He mentioned the surrender of eight members of the New People's Army in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro last week.

Gapay also noted that a total of 35 suspected NPAs were killed during military operations this year.

A total of 334 have surrendered while 39 rebels were apprehended in various internal security and community support operations, Gapay added.

"Let us sustain this momentum so that we can finally bring just and lasting peace in the country," Gapay said.

Gapay earlier claimed that the number of communist rebels in the country is already declining. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News