Encounters with NPAs, Abus decline

MANILA, Philippines - Armed operations against communist rebels and the Abu Sayyaf declined in the first quarter due to the new security plan “Bayanihan” and the improved security situation in Mindanao, the military said yesterday.

Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief, said the strength of the armed rebels has been reduced despite the decline in armed engagements.

Burgos said the AFP mounted 86 armed engagements against the New People’s Army in the first quarter, down by 14 percent from the 98 recorded in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the AFP said armed engagements against the Abu Sayyaf dropped by 45 percent in the first quarter to six from 11 in the same period last year.