PNP warns of possible attacks as NPA anniversary nears
By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) here has warned of possible attacks by the New People’s Army as its founding anniversary draws near.
“March 29 is CPP-NPA anniversary. There is a persistent report that their group is launching attacks and fatality among men in uniform, if not burning or destroying heavy equipment or government projects,” Col. Gilbert Gorero, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a text message on Wednesday.
He said Ilonggo policemen were reminded to be extra cautious and alert in dealing with everyday police work, particularly in high-risk municipal police stations.
“The series of IED (improvised explosive device) explosion in the province although did not cause loss of life is a manifestation of (the) desperate move against the government. However, IPPO personnel should not lower the guard against treacherous action of CPP-NPA,” he added.
Gorero said the IPPO will continue to close ranks “with other security forces in the province to overcome the problem (of) insurgency.”
The series of encounters in the province, particularly in Lambunao and Janiuay, are the results of the strong ties between the police, the Army, and the community, he noted.
“As the police strengthen law enforcement operation and legal offensive, the army intensifies its tactical offensive and the citizens support information regarding the whereabouts of CPP-NPA. These ties bring positive results by arresting the finance/logistic committee of SYP (Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda) Baloy Platoon,” he said.
The latest encounter led to the arrest of alias “Bing” who was arrested while the 12th Infantry Battalion was conducting a hot pursuit operation following a clash with the communist terrorist group (CTG) around 1:20 a.m. on March 16.
The arrested 66-year old, a resident of Barangay Araal, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, is a member of the SYP Baloy Platoon of the NPA.
The Army recovered from the site of the clash a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines and seven ammunition, components in making anti-personnel landmine, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Also seized were a hammock, two backpacks, and a sling bag, assorted groceries, 10 meters of electric wire, and personal belongings.
The arrested NPA member and the other items recovered were turned over to the Janiuay Municipal Police Station for inventory, booking, and filing of case.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the incident is “a big blow to the NPA’s recruitment and extortion activities given that high-intelligence materials were seized”.
The recoveries of items needed for staging attacks like components of anti-personnel landmine and electric wire will prove that the NPAs are out to sow terror, he added.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)