Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Gonzales calls NPA 'continuing pests' By Carlo P. Mallo
TRADITIONAL groups like the New People's Army (NPA) remain to be the greatest threat to the country's security situation.
According to National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, the strength of the rebel group is no match to that of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"Definitely no strength to defeat the military," Gonzales said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao last week.
"They are pests, a continuing pest," Gonzales added.
Gonzales, together with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was in the city last Friday to grace the closing ceremonies of the Local Peace and Security Assembly in Tagum City.
Arroyo has ordered the military last Friday to put an end to the rebel group.
"They (the rebel group) impede peace and development in our country," the President said. "They stand in our way of developing Mindanao."
Arroyo also said both the natural resources and government resources are already here in Mindanao. However, progress just can't push through as the rebel groups continue to hinder development.
"We have to stop this ideological nonsense," the President said.
She also expressed her confidence that the rebel movement will finally be wiped out by 2010, just as she has planned.
"That is why I have extended the term of AFP Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon so teat the momentum will continue," Arroyo said.
