Security tightened for 4 in list of new NPA hit squad

A newly organized urban hit squad of the New People's Army is reportedly out to liquidate the mayor and two councilors of Malabon and a ranking official of the Northern Police District (NPD).

Chief Superintendent Jose Bandong, NPD director, said the report is yet to be verified. However, he has already tightened the security cordon around Mayor Amado Vicencio of Malabon, Malabon Councilors Pol Cabrera and Payapa Ona, and Chief Superintendent Nemesio Neron, the Valenzuela City police chief.

"We have the report. Whether it is true or not, we are not taking it for granted," Bandong said. "We are always on alert not only against this particular element but against all forms of criminality."

Intelligence reports that had reached The STAR identified the new NPA group as the Bagong Hukbong Bayan Liquidation Squad Force (BHBLSF). It reportedly aims to assassinate top-ranked police officials and politicians in Metro Manila and that the four named officials were the first identified targets.

Reports added that the liquidation team in Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area, led by a certain Ka Beltran, is out to execute their mission within this month.

The reports, however, failed to mention why the new hit squad are after Vicencio, Cabrera, Ona and Neron.

Vicencio's secretary, Cynthia Crisostomo, just shrugged off the report.

"I'm sure the report is untrue. Mayor Vicencio is a good public official," she said.

Cabrera's secretary, Baby Leal, reacted differently.

"That's very alarming!" she exclaimed.

Bandong urged the city officials and the police officer to be extra careful also "because the NPAs are just awaiting an opportune time to strike."