Police on alert after NPA attack in Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The 140,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP) has been ordered to be on alert following the foiled attack by the leftist New People's Army (NPA) in a police station in North Cotabato today.

Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas, whose office has jurisdiction over the PNP, commended law enforcers of President Roxas Municipal Police Station for "gallantry in action" after they managed to repulse more than a hundred members of the leftist group.

"This incident demonstrates the firm resolve of the men and women of the PNP to carry out their mandate of ensuring peace and security in our communities, whatever the odds. I expect PNP units all over the country to maintain such standard," he said.

While the government is ready to defend the people's communities from armed aggression, Roxas said it is also committed to pursue the path of peace and development as a means to address the root causes of insurgency.

Three rebels were killed during the attack in President Roxas Municipal Police Station, while Senior Inspector Bernabe Rubio, the town's police chief, sustained a gunshot wound.