5 Eastern Mindanao communist guerrilla fronts dismantled

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Five New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts in Eastern Mindanao were dismantled this year, an official said yesterday. 

Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the number of NPA members decreased by 17 percent and the affected barangays by 27 percent. He said the number of firearms of NPA rebels in the region is also down to 148.

Caber cited the efforts of former NPA rebels to effect the surrender of their former comrades.

He advised politicians not to give in to the extortion demands of the NPA, saying the money would be used only to sustain the armed struggle of the rebels.

Caber said the dirty tactics employed by the NPA are meant to limit the campaign of the candidates in the countryside.