Sunday, May 18, 2008 Yano declares strategic defeat of NPA by 2010
NEWLY appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Alexander Yano declared the "strategic defeat" of the New People's Army (NPA) by 2010.
He clarified though that the defeat does not necessarily mean the NPA would be totally eradicated two years from now.
In a press conference after the turnover command of the Eastern Mindanao Command Saturday, Yano said the strategic death of the NPA would mean the rebel group would no longer be effective in stalling development and progress in hinterland areas.
"There will still be remnants of the rebel group but they will no longer be effective," Yano said.
The general, however, admitted that they could not do the eradication of NPA alone. He said all sectors must contribute, adding that they are now conducting advocacy campaign among all sectors all throughout the country.
On Saturday, Yano met with the business sectors here in Davao City and asked for their help in the AFP's campaign against insurgents.
He said they are also supporting government's policy on peace negotiations, but ruled out any negotiations with the terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf. (BOT)
