High security alert

After Joma announces CPP plan to oust President

THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has directed all its subordinate units to intensify security operations, following the plan of the communist groups for a revolutionary movement and to oust President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal directed his subordinate unit commanders and members to always stay alert and not to allow anyone, as much as possible, to conduct any atrocities in their areas of responsibility.

In Wednesday’s AFPPNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Eastmincom public information officer Major Ezra Balagtey said the directive was issued after communist leader Jose Maria Sison announced that they intend to work for the ouster of President Duterte.

"At the tactical level, tuloy pa rin naman yung ating community support programs and military operations in protecting our communities, especially in the isolated and depressed areas here in Eastern Mindanao," Balagtey said.

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

earlier recommended the end of peace talks between the government and the communist group, following reviews of their activities, including a plan on President Rodrigo Duterte's ouster.

Lorenzana said the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NDFP) conspired to craft a three-year plan to “advance the revolutionary movement” that included Duterte's ouster should he refuse to implement a "coalition government."

Army's 3rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Colonel Dante Lachica said as far as the battalion is concerned, they are continuously monitoring their areas of responsibly, though there were reports the communist rebels had left already.

"The 3rd Infantry Battalion is monitoring the third congressional district here in Davao City. Though there are reports na nakaalis na yung ibang communist rebels, meron parin ilan sa kanila na iwan," Lachica said.

Despite the stalled peace talks, Balagtey said, the Eastmincom and its subordinate units are still finding ways and means to win peace in Eastern Mindanao.

MACKY LIM DROOL. A laborer arranges newly harvested durian on the pavement outside the fruit stands at Magsaysay Park in Davao City. While durian prices are still at P150 per kilo, it is expected to go down next month as a bumper harvest is in the forecast.