By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not declare a Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) against rebels nationwide to prevent any atrocities to mark the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson PBGEN. Jean Fajardo said the PNP has directed all police regional offices to be on heightened alert against possible hostilities by insurgents and local terrorists.
The PNP has also heightened monitoring of crime-prone areas to prevent potential threats.
“Hindi tayo magde-declare ng suspension of police operations dahil history will tell us na kapagka nagde-declare ng SOPO and SOMO (Suspension of Offensive Military Operations) ang security forces ’yon din ’yong ginagamit na opportunity nung mga CTGs (communist terrorist groups) and even yung mga LTGs (local terrorist groups) para mag-initiate ng kanilang mga ambuscades, harassment and retaliatory attacks. So, for purposes of celebration nila nitong Dec. 26 at the whole duration ng holiday season ay [walang] SOPO,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo said that every Dec. 26, the PNP is preparing in terms of intensifying the security measures particularly in the isolated and vulnerable stations and far-flung areas to thwart incidents of harassment and ambushes, especially now that they have arrested ranking CTG leaders.
“We are anticipating [that] retaliatory attacks ang gagawin nila sa atin at hindi lang sa PNP pati na rin sa AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) kaya pagtutulungan [na] bantayan ng inyong pambansang pulisya at AFP ’yong ating mga far-flung situated…police stations,” she said.
Additional police personnel deployed for the holiday season
Meanwhile, Fajardo said some 47,000 officers have been deployed nationwide as part of Ligtas Paskuhan until Jan. 6, 2025.
She said the PNP has also canceled the leaves of police officers effective Dec. 15.
Earlier, PNP chief PGEN. Rommel Francisco Marbil directed all police units to implement comprehensive security measures in coordination with local government units, church officials, and other concerned stakeholders.
Police Assistance Desks (PADs) will be deployed near churches to assist the public, while foot and mobile patrols will be intensified in strategic areas, including public transport terminals, parking areas, and marketplaces.
Police units nationwide are also working closely with local government units, barangay officials, and other law enforcement agencies to respond to any emergencies or untoward incidents.