GMA orders troops to be relentless in pursuing rebels

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo yesterday ordered troops to be relentless in their pursuit of enemies of the state despite reports of the continued decline in the numbers of communist rebels and Islamic militants.

Mrs. Arroyo said the military had gained the upper hand in capturing or eliminating several key figures of the Abu Sayyaf, the Jemaah Islamiyah and the communist New People’s Army.

She pointed out the NPA have been on the decline in the last three years because of the Armed Forces’ “faithful implementation” of the administration’s hard and soft power strategy.

“To our soldiers, continue your hunt for enemies of the state who destroy livelihood and peace in our country. Don’t stop until peace reigns in all communities. Continue performing the duties placed upon you during times of calamities and for progress,” Mrs. Arroyo said in her speech at the 74th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday.

“You the great Filipino soldier have hit them hard and with much success... Let us continue to strengthen our relations with the people in those areas by literally building bridges with the local population as well as schools, medical facilities and other infrastructure that win over the people and narrow support for the terrorists,” she said.

Mrs. Arroyo said the government’s P5-billion Kalayaan Barangay infrastructure program in conflict-affected areas “has improved the lives of those areas that are vulnerable to the siren songs of rebellion and terrorism because of poverty.”

She noted that the six-year-old ceasefire with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continues to hold as the government resumed formal talks with the rebel group earlier this month.

“Let us pray that this will result in a permanent peace. I can think of nothing more desirable for the people of Mindanao and for the entire nation than peace. Only lasting peace will bring true justice and ensure that the crimes committed in Maguindanao and those also committed in Basilan cannot be repeated,” she said.

Mrs. Arroyo cited the crucial role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in keeping the peace that contributed to the country’s unprecedented 34 quarters of continuous growth.

AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado, for his part, rallied the troops to continue the fight against insurgency and lawless elements, reminding them of the gains they had made in past 12 months.   – With James Mananghaya