General Rey Leonardo Guerrero said that his orders are to intensify military operations to destroy the NPA and to protect communities against terrorism. About 3,800 NPA combatants continue to fight, mainly in the poorest provinces of the Philippines.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte suspended talks with the rebels last week, dashing hopes of resolving the long-lasting conflict through dialogues. The fighting between the government and the NPA has killed 30,000 people.
