[Inquirer] Communist militants in southern Mindanao said they were ready to face “the full-scale war” that the Duterte administration would be unleashing on them next year.In a statement issued for the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Tuesday, Ka Joaquin Jacinto, the National Democratic Front spokesperson in the region, also said the New People’s Army would continue to exist to oppose the government’s abuses. He said, "Despite the use of airstrikes, armed drones and prolonged focus operations, not one single NPA unit in Mindanao was wiped out. The number of platoons and companies has in fact increased this year."
Jacinto said NPA rebels were “ever willing to sacrifice their lives for the revolution and the people than be servile to the fascist dictatorship of the US-Duterte regime.”
“In spite of the constant black propaganda, bogus peace caravans and the incessant parade of fake or recycled surrenderees, NPA Red commanders and fighters never faltered,” he added.
He said 2017 was a triumphant year for the NPA in southern Mindanao, where it launched more than 300 attacks. He said, "There were a few well-chosen and well-executed head blows as wells as numerous attritive actions against operating enemy troops, military camps and police outposts, making them suffer a casualty rate of more than a battalion."
“The NPA must be determined to bring the people’s war to new heights,” he added.