DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Government forces could not resort to bombing rebel positions for fear of collateral damage. Sison is underestimating Duterte when he claimed his administration will fail in its efforts to bring down the communist rebel group. Año, for his part, said the CPP-NPA is in a “sharp decline,” citing the thousands of rebels who surrendered to the government. Año said 8,637 communist rebels have surrendered to the government since the Duterte administration started in July 2016. He said the rebel returnees have decided to avail of the government program offering the rebels promise of a better life.

Source: Philippine Star January 11, 2019 23:37 UTC