Security tightened vs possible NPA attacks

Security measures are in place to thwart possible attacks by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels celebrating their 50th anniversary today, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año yesterday said they have alerted the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units to be ready against possible attacks by the NPA.

Around 44,000 policemen have been deployed nationwide to secure the public during the Holy Week.

The PNP has also put up 3,000 police assistance centers across the country.

“We will make sure vulnerable targets are reinforced,” Año told radio dzMM.

The former military chief said it has been the tradition of communist rebels to stage violent attacks and atrocities to celebrate their anniversary.

“We are ready in coordination and cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Año said.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said their police field commanders are ready to launch offensive operations against the rebels.

“All units are instructed to double their efforts in securing their camps and police stations by intensifying intelligence gathering and conducting prophylactic police operations,” Bulalacao said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there would be no ceasefire with the communist rebels during the Holy Week as security forces are on alert for possible attacks.

Lorenzana said security officials have not discussed a Holy Week truce with the rebels during a Cabinet meeting with President Duterte.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said the President’s decision not to declare a suspension of military operations (SOMO) during the Lenten season does not mean there is no effort to put an end to the country’s insurgency problem.

“Even without peace talks, the government and security sector will exhaust all efforts to achieve lasting peace toward unity and progress,” Datuin said.

The AFP also issued a statement on the occasion of the NPA’s founding anniversary today for which security forces are on alert against rebel attacks.

“We call on all NPA remnants to choose the path of peace and join those who have decided to go back to mainstream society. There is no greater fulfillment than to live in peace with your families and loved ones in a conflict-free community,” Datuin said.

Senators supported the move not to declare a ceasefire with communist rebels during the Holy Week. –