A total of 1,335 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and supporters have been “neutralized” during the first eight months of the year, the military said.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo last Tuesday, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said most or 1,163 of the neutralized rebels and supporters surrendered.
Ninety-five were killed and 77 were apprehended, said Padilla.
Padilla said 760 firearms and 360 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered and 107 rebel camps were captured.
Padilla said 14 of these personalities were neutralized in Northern Samar from July 31 to August 27, dealing “decisive blows” to the rebel group in the province.
Eight of the 14 died in a clash with Army soldiers last July 31. Another rebel surrendered after the encounter, which also resulted in the seizure of 10 rebel firearms.
On August 24, three NPA rebels surrendered, bringing with them two pistols.
Three days later, government troops clashed with a group of rebels, leading to the death of two rebels and the seizure of two M16 rifles.
Padilla said the military commends the troops involved in the successful operations.
Nevertheless, Padilla said the Armed Forces of the Philippines would welcome the surrender of NPA rebels and supporters.
