The Philippine military on Sunday said the number of New People's Army militants is now on the decline and will be "irrelevant" in the future. Military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said the decline was due to government development projects in the region.He said, "We can foresee their downfall as long as development will come in and we will have economic growth and prosperity to every Filipino. In the years to come, the NPA will be irrelevant as foreseen by the Internal Peace and Security Program 'Bayanihan' strategy."
Kakilala added that "Bayanihan" is greatly aided by ongoing efforts to hunt, capture or neutralize known militant leaders and supporters.