Military brushes off NPA threat in Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military downplayed the threat of the New People’s Army (NPA) to intensify attacks against the military as it celebrates its 35th founding anniversary.

Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamko said troops have been intensifying security and combat missions against the communist rebels.

Kyamko said troops in Mindanao increased their operations in Northeastern Mindanao and parts of Central Mindanao.

In a public statement issued yesterday, the NPA directed its forces to launch special offensives to disrupt military actions.

"Fortunately those whom the NPA tasked to conduct sabotage and attack operations have surrendered in Agusan del Sur," Kyamko said, referring to the 45 rebels who yielded to Maj. Gen. Samuel Bagasin, chief of the 4th Army Division, in Prosperidad town last Friday.

The rebels also surrendered 32 assorted firearms to the military.

Bagasin said that ground forces have been conducting security patrols in areas monitored to be probable targets of NPA guerrillas in Northeastern Mindanao.

The military earlier reported that NPA forces in Western Mindanao have been on the run because of continuous military operation.

"How can they launch massive attacks when they are on the run. We have addressed these through pro-active operation," Kyamko said.