Army admits it can't quell communist revolt by 2010

By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
Published: October 02, 2007, 00:12


Manila: The Philippine Army cannot defeat the 38-year old communist New Peoples Army (NPA) in 2010, as demanded by President Gloria Arroyo, because the military is undermanned, handling separatist Muslim groups in the south and destabilising elements in Metro Manila, said a military operations head and an intelligence officer.

"We're pushing our commanders in the field to do more to meet our goals of strategically defeating the communist insurgency by 2010 based on our campaign plan," said Major General Jogy Leo Fojas, head of military operations.