Military offensives to continue during Christmas
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the intensified operation is in compliance with the directive of President Duterte to neutralize the New People’s Army (NPA) that has been branded a terror group as well as the Islamic State (IS) threat in Mindanao. AP/Bullit Marquez, File
MANILA, Philippines — Military officials said offensive operations would continue during the Christmas season against communist rebels and other terrorists groups.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the intensified operation is in compliance with the directive of President Duterte to neutralize the New People’s Army (NPA) that has been branded a terror group as well as the Islamic State (IS) threat in Mindanao.
“We will continue to intensify our campaign to deny these communist terrorists freedom of movement to commit hostilities and terrorize innocent civilians,” Galvez said.
The military official said the ongoing pursuit led to the surrender of 7 NPA members separately on Sunday and late last week in the Westmincom area.
Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of Westmincom, said three NPA members identified as Teddy Ayunan, Telada Maguil and Sandino Julan surrendered to government forces in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Sunday. – Rhodina Villanueva, Evelyn Macairan, Edith Regalado, Gilbert Bayoran
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