AFP chief orders intensified offensive vs. NPA

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero on Tuesday said he has ordered an intensified military operations against the New People's Army (NPA).

“Binigyan na natin sila ng instruction to remain vigilant, to take active measures and intensify iyong focused military operations natin,” Guerrero told reporters before attending the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting.

“...to address itong mga atrocities at intensified attacks ng New People’s Army lalo na sa mga inosenteng sibilyan at mga establishments na walang kakayahan na depensahan ang sarili nila,” he added.

Meanwhile, Guerrero said the AFP has already identified the legal organizations allegedly supporting the NPA.

He, however, clarified that the AFP will not conduct operatinos against the communist group's alleged legal fronts.

“On the legal organizations, we have to address them accordingly. Hindi puwedeng armado ang iko-confront mo doon, there are other agencies of government responding to these concerns,” he said. 

The NPA has stepped up attacks after President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 360, terminating the government's peace talks with the communist group.

Over the weekend, the NPA launched attacks in Misamis Oriental, Camarines Norte and Cagayan. —ALG, GMA News