The military claims to have reduced the strength of the New People’s Army by 31 percent, and their firearms by 18 percent, all over the country as of October this year, compared to the same period last year.

Military records said the NPA strength is now down to about 4,000, compared to its peak of 25,000 in 1987, citing the rebel’s loses of people’s support to the armed struggle in countrysides, and the surrender and arrest of their members and leaders, respectively.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr., commander of the Armed Forces Civil Relations Service, said members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit and Special CAFGUs played a vital role in the Clear-Hold-Consolidate-Development operational strategy of the AFP.

“The military needs the supporting role of the CAAs and SCAAs to effectively break the backbone of the NPA,” Cruz said, adding that AFP forces are spreading thinly across the country.

As force multipliers, he added, CAAs and SCAAs are also  optimized in emergency and disaster preparedness, information gathering, and as guides especially on uncertain terrains, considering their familiarity with the local conditions and their response to any eventuality is immediate.

Cruz, however, said government militiamen are also subject to disciplinary actions.

The AFP has incorporated, in training modules of government militiamen, human rights and the international humanitarian law; civil relations; the AFP rules of engagement and code of ethics; character guidance and values formation; and military justice.*GPB

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