DAVAO CITY – Communist rebels in Southern Mindanao said they were ready to face “the full-scale war” that the Duterte administration would be unleashing on them next year. “Despite the use of airstrikes, armed drones and prolonged focus operations, not one single NPA unit in Mindanao was wiped out. He said 2017 spelled victory to the NPA in Southern Mindanao, where it launched more than 300 attacks. Jacinto said in total, NPA units in Mindanao confiscated high-powered firearms enough to arm a battalion of rebels – including those who recently finished training. “The NPA must be determined to bring the people’s war to new heights,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 26, 2017 10:52 UTC