CV cops warned against possible attack of rebels

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Intelligence Division-7 has reminded all station commanders and their police units in Central Visayas to be more vigilant against any possible retaliatory attacks of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army as the militant group commemorated its 46th anniversary yesterday.

Superintendent Paul Labra, chief of RID-7, said he has already directed the lower units weeks ago to double their efforts in securing themselves and their offices.

He said the militant group has committed atrocities during their previous anniversary celebrations that reportedly included assassinations and harassments or attack on police units and personnel.

“Although dinhi sa ato in the past years wala kaayo nahitabo, but atong gikuyawan ang attempts on the lives of our personnel, so gi-advise nato ang kapulisan nga magbinantayon sa kaugalingong seguridad,” said Labra.

He further warned those police personnel situated in the remote municipalities including the towns of Guihulngan and Santa Catalina in Negros Oriental, where the presence of the militants is felt, to be more cautious.

According to the RID-7 chief, the provinces of Cebu and Bohol have already been declared insurgency-free while Negros Oriental has been classified as “conflict manageable and development ready,” but caution should always be practiced.

He added that there are still sectoral activities being mobilized by militant groups - such as the association of women, farmers and fishermen - to raise their issues and concerns to the government.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Jim Alagao, Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command spokesperson, said they have not received any reports of retaliatory measures by the militant group.  He said they have been, nevertheless, on alert even following the government’s one month ceasefire declaration with the NPA from December 18 this year to January 19 next year. 

Alagao added that no offensive operations will be launched against the insurgents as there has been a unilateral declaration of the suspension of military and police operations against the insurgents. — (FREEMAN)