AFP aims to eliminate remaining guerilla fronts by year-end

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aims to eliminate all remaining weakened guerilla fronts by year-end, according to AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday.

General Brawner reported that the number of guerilla fronts has decreased from seven in July to four today, with two located in Northern Luzon and one each in Southern Luzon and the Visayas area.

The military's strength has been reduced from 2,200 fighters last year to 1,111 now, along with a decrease of about 1,000 firearms.

In October, the National Security Council (NSC) reported that alleged acting chairperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), Wigberto 'Baylon' Villarico, was arrested in Quezon City.

Villarico assumed leadership after Benito Tiamzon's death and is considered the last remaining CPP leader capable of commanding both the party and its armed wing, the New People's Army.