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Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Military intent on decimating communist rebels
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has started implementing the second phase of its Oplan Bantay Laya and aims to reduce the strength of the New People's Army (NPA) by as much as 50 percent in the next two years.
AFP chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Bantay Laya 1, which started in 2002, was able to reduce the NPA force from 12,000 to 7,000.
Sun.Star Network Online's 12th Asean Summit Watch
"So that's about 1,000 per year since we started. That is a big momentum for us with the start of Bantay Laya 2," Esperon said.
He said with Bantay Laya 2, they project the NPA force to dwindle to 3,500 in the next two years.
Esperon said aside from reducing the rebel forces, the Oplan Bantay Laya 2 also aims to establish a "physically and psychologically conducive environment" for Filipinos.
Other than the Bantay Laya 2, the military is also implementing its Oplan Ultimatum against the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Sulu.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited Jolo Monday and reviewed Oplan Ultimatum where she expressed satisfaction over its implementation.
Esperon said with their two Oplans, they have made the enemies of the state "on the run," affecting their enemies' capacity to conduct terror activities in other areas. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (January 10, 2007 issue)
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Accident, slow response team prompt second dry run