AFP: Over 2,000 NPA rebels ‘neutralized’ so far in 2024

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson of Armed Forces of the Philippines (Arnel Tacson, INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,300 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters have been neutralized since January this year, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said 2,382 NPA members and their supporters were neutralized in various operations from January 1 to November 28, 2024. 

“A total of 2,382 communist terrorist group members and supporters were neutralized. Of which 2,087 surrendered, 149 were apprehended, and 146 were killed in military operations,” Padilla said in a press briefing on Tuesday. 

She added that 1,176 firearms were also seized from or surrendered by the rebels. 

In August this year, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the NPA continues to dwindle, revealing that its weakened guerrilla fronts decreased from seven to five.

Padilla earlier explained that units considered weakened meant that they could no longer implement programs like recruitment and generate resources to support their armed struggle.

Since its founding on March 29, 1969, the NPA has carried out the world’s longest-running Maoist insurgency.