Police: Security efforts in place

CEBU, Philippines - Strengthened security measures are being implemented by the police following reports of efforts by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army to regain the support of the masses, particularly in the mountain barangays in Cebu City.

Police Regional Office–7 Regional Intelligence Division chief, Superintendent Paul Labra, said that they have received information on the alleged efforts of the communists to recover their lost mass bases in “white areas,” or in areas where they usually operate, such as mountain barangays in Cebu City and in other parts of Central Visayas.

He added that the mountainous areas such as Barangay Babag and the boundary in Toledo and Balamban felt the presence of the CPP-NPA before the province was declared insurgency-free.  He cited that communists most likely encourage farmers and fishermen to join their group.

The operation of marijuana plantations in the mountain barangays is also allegedly being used to fund the efforts of the organization.

PRO-7 director, Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas, said that it is possible that the communists have gone back to areas where they previously operated.

“Baka may naiiwan pa sila doon na they can just come back when your guard is down. It’s a cat-and-mouse affair,” he said.

Labra, however, said that it is not that alarming since the public is already educated on the effects of communism.

He further noted that the communists may struggle to fully recover their “white areas” with the awareness of the locals in mountain barangays about communist groups and the arrest of the Tiamzon couple in Cebu last March.

Bañas then assured that they will continue to monitor the activities of the organizing teams of the CPP-NPA.

Cebu City Police Office director, Senior Superintendent Noli Romana, said that they have implemented safety precautions ahead of time.

He noted that they have deployed additional personnel in the mountain barangays and will activate a third police outpost in the northeastern portion of Cebu City, possibly in the boundary of Cebu City and Balamban, to complete the coverage in all mountainous parts of Cebu City.

Meanwhile, National Commission of Muslim Filipinos-Visayas acting regional director Malo Manonggiring assured the police of the continued commitment the Muslim community will carry out to preserve peace and order in the region.

He pointed out that the entire community needs to help the police force in fighting all forms of criminalities especially illegal drugs and terrorism.

“We will not be part of the problem. We will be the solution,” he stated.

Bañas reiterated the significance of the participatory law enforcement and expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for the support they have extended to the police.

A meeting between the members of PRO-7 and leaders of the Muslim community was organized yesterday morning.  —  Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/ATO (FREEMAN)