PRO 11 backs CPP-NPA terrorist tagging

THE Police Regional Office (PRO 11) backs the official declaration of the President classifying the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization citing that its actions over the years against the uniformed personnel and civilians no longer conform with the ideology it stands for.

"We find it very reasonable for the President to declare such because [from] the word terror siguro naman makikita natin na pasok sila sa definition ng terror or terrorists because they instill fear in the community at the same time masyado na nilang sinubukan ang pasensya ng ating pangulo," PRO 11 spokesperson Police Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna said.

She cited that even during the ceasefire, the CPPNPA had not showed sincerity in the peace negotiation as the rebels on the ground continue with their atrocities and attacks that upset the President.

"Unang-una, with so much sincerity of our Presi-

dent hindi naman niya nakita in return yong gusto niyang mangyari," she said.

"Inspite of everything na ginawang pag-reach out even yong sa local community nag-reach out na for a localized peace talk nagkaroon pa rin ng ibat-ibang terroristic activities ang mga grupong ito. We find it reasonable for the President to declare such," she added.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque on Monday made the announcement during a press conference at Malacañan Palace.

President Duterte's declaration was triggered after an NPA unit ambushed a mobile patrol with a convoy in Bukidnon wherein a four-month-old infant was killed due to gunshot wound in her head.

Dela Cerna said that they will continue with their heightened security measures.

"Kami naman po as the PNP we will maintain peace and order in our area of responsibility and as much as possible makikipag-tulungan tayo sa mga counterparts natin sa military para masugpo itong terroristic acts at ma-prevent itong mga activities," she said.