The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said 625 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and supporters were neutralized in military operations across the country from January 1 to May 7 this year.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that most of those neutralized had surrendered to authorities.
During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Padilla said 548 communist rebels and supporters surrendered, 49 were killed in military operations, and 28 others were apprehended.
“We have a total of 625 communist terrorist group members and supporters who were neutralized from January 1 to May 7,” Padilla said.
“From this number, 548 surrendered, 28 were apprehended and 49 were killed in military operations,” she added.
Among the military’s major operations during the period was the series of encounters in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, which left 19 NPA rebels dead.
The fatalities included two University of the Philippines students, a community journalist, and two minors.
Padilla said government troops also seized or received through surrender around 414 firearms and 105 anti-personnel mines. The military also captured 25 rebel camps during the same period.
In operations against terrorist groups, Padilla said 49 individuals were neutralized, including 33 who surrendered, 14 who were killed, and two who were apprehended.
She said troops also seized or received 45 firearms and one anti-personnel mine from terrorist groups.
“The data shows consistent operational gains, but more important than this number is the gradual return of communities to normalcy and development,” Padilla said.
She said the figures also show that many members of communist and terrorist groups are now “choosing peace over armed struggle.”