Philippine soldiers in a raid in Mindanao (Photo: AFP/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - The Armed Forcesof the Philippines (AFP) has stressed its commitment to hunt down rebels fromthe New People’s Army (NPA) who have got involved in criminal activities.
The statement came after the February 3 announcementof President Rodrigo Duterte on ending the government’s unilateral ceasefirewith the insurgent group due to a series of armed clashes in the past weeks.
In the statement, AFP Chief of Staff,General Eduardo Ano, said the move aims to prevent the rebels from conductingatrocities and criminal activities against the public.
The AFP welcomes the President’s decision,he said, noting that the gains of the last six months would be postponedbecause the NPA again resorted to violent acts and chose arms to gaininterests.
Earlier, on February 1, the NPA said thatit withdrew its unilateral ceasefire, because the government failed to keep itscommitment on releasing 400 political prisoners and took advantage of the truceto enter areas controlled by the group.
In August 2016, the NPA announced aceasefire, which was valid from August 28, 2016 to February 10, 2017, to pavethe way for delayed peace talks with the government.
The fight between NPA and governmentsoldiers has left nearly 30,000 dead since 1960. The NPA estimates its armedrebels at around 4,000 compared to its peak 26,000 in 1987.-VNA
VNA
