PNP going all out against NPA rebels

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa vowed to fight the communist rebels at all cost after the cancellation of the peace talks. “By all means and by all cost, we have to fight them,” said Dela Rosa when asked if the national police force has the capability to crush the 4,000-strong New People’s Army (NPA).

“We are the government, they are the government. So there’s no choice, this is no retreat, no surrender,” he added.

President Duterte earlier ordered Dela Rosa to lead moves to crush the remaining forces of the NPA following the cancellation of the peace talks because of the series of attacks against civilian and military targets in the past few months.

The PNP appears to have a deep axe to grind against the NPA, which has been targetting as police stations in the provinces.

This month, the NPA ambushed a police convoy in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, which resulted in the death of five police officers.

If he had his way, Dela Rosa said he would choose peace negotiations as a way of ending the longest-running insurgency problem in the world.

But the lack of sincerity of the NPA despite the offer of peace of Duterte, according to Dela Rosa, only made them realize that they are just being fooled.

“There is no use crying over spilled milk. It was really a lost opportunity but they are the ones who did it,” said Dela Rosa.

As a proof that they are battle-ready, dela Rosa disclosed that he has already ordered the distribution of 2,900 rifles and almost five million rounds of ammunition to his men on the field, especially in rebel-infested areas.

“This will give them a good fighting chance,” said Dela Rosa who also disclosed that he had alerted all police commanders to be prepared against rebel attacks anytime.

Earlier, Dela Rosa said that both the PNP and the military are preparing something against the communist rebels.

Duterte earlier stated that he would focus on going after NPA rebels once the war in Marawi ends.