MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it would strengthen its current force in the Davao region where the presence of communists is more pronounced.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said “we will pour in additional forces, personnel and equipage because we believe that the place is where the [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army] is particularly strong.” About 30% of the rebel force is in the area, he said.

He said the additional deployment will be made “within the next few days.”

He did not say how many troops or additional equipment will be sent.

“We feel that if we will be able to arrest or defeat the enemy in that area, pretty soon, the other areas (outside Davao region) will fall down like dominos,” he said.

The military had already deployed forces since last month, following a series of alleged atrocities mounted by the insurgents.

Mabanta said the communists number less than 5,000 today, owing to the success of the so-called Oplan Bantay Laya II.

He said the military is planning to launch a new campaign that would further bring down the number.

He said the new program would take into account the lessons learned from the last campaign, which ended last June 30.