“There will be no let-up in our campaign to end the decades-long scourge of communist insurgency once and for all,” Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, said Monday, April 20.
Nafarrete issued the assurance to the Filipino people after 19 alleged rebels were killed in an encounter with soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion in Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.
Nafarrete also said that the Philippine Army condoles with the families of the communist rebels who perished in the military operation.
The slain rebels were themselves victims of lies and deception that exploit the vulnerable, he said.
“Every life lured into the communist terrorist armed insurgency represents a tragedy for the Filipino nation,” he added, expressing hope that the remaining rebels will lay down their arms and choose the path of peace.
Nafarrete commended the 79th Infantry Battalion troops involved in the encounter for their conduct during the operation.
“Your adherence to International Humanitarian Law and utmost respect for human rights stand as a testament to the professionalism and honor that define the Philippine Army soldier,” he said.*
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