Negros PNP raises 'agaw armas' alert
BACOLOD CITY — The series of "agaw armas" incidents in the cities of Talisay and Bacolod in Negros Occidental, is being looked into by the police as the handiwork of the "enemies of the state."
Six unidentified armed men disarmed two security guards of two .38-caliber revolvers and a 12-gauge shotgun on Monday in Talisay City.
Superintendent Adonis Rosales, Talisay City Police chief, said the unidentified suspects, who were also armed with revolvers and shotguns, left the security guards unharmed, after taking their guns.
Similar incidents of "agaw armas" were also reported in Bacolod City, with the perpetrators taking only the guns of the security guards and not the latter's personal belongings and valuables.
Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said yesterday that they are looking into the involvement of the New People's Army, among other lawless elements, although they have no evidence yet.
Castil ordered police chiefs to remind private security guards to be responsible in securing their service firearms.
Captain Ruel Llanes, 303rd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, disclosed that they are anticipating more "agaw armas" operations and NPA attacks on undermanned PNP stations and CAFGU detachments, among other soft targets.
As precautionary measures, Llanes said they are intensifying their combat operations and conducting joint checkpoints with the PNP, to prevent the NPAfrom initiating more terroristic activities.
Police commanders have been reminded anew to verify first any reported incident, before taking any action, in the wake of a series of attacks by the NPA, with policemen as targets, nationwide. —