MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday alerted all field units to conduct counter-actions against members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) following the recent attacks against police officers in various provinces.
On instructions of PNP chief, Director General Albayalde, Director for Operations Mao Aplasca alerted all field units to conduct counter-actions against the tactical offensive activities of the CPP-NPA dubbed as “Koda Supermarket” aimed at collecting more firearms and equipment from police and military targets through raids and ambuscades on various targets.
The PNP said the increased activities by the communists could also be part of its “saber-rattling” tactics to project an image of strength to highlight the forthcoming CPP anniversary on Dec. 26, and bolster its extortion activities in the forthcoming election season.
Police maneuver forces in Negros Island, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, launched a manhunt of a group of some 40 armed men who set on fire a bulldozer and a back hoe owned by PhilSouth Construction in Barangay Bolisong, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental in the evening of Oct. 18.
No casualties were reported in the incident.
Passengers of a commercial bus, who witnessed the incident, told police investigators that the armed men shouted “ Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan” while setting the heavy equipment on fire.
Investigators are looking into possible extortion attempt as motive for the incident.
Local officials of Negros Oriental denounced this latest conmunist atrocity saying it is an obstacle to development because it stalled the ongoing roadworks project of a vital farm-to-market road in the province.
“Those behind this crime are resisting entry of development in the countryside that would have ushered government presence and availability of goods and services that will benefit people in the barrios,” Albayalde said in a statement.
In separate incident, three policemen were killed while three others were wounded in an ambush by suspected NPA rebels in Barangay Napolidan, Lupi, Camarines Sur on Oct. 18.
The casualties were assigned as security escorts of Food and Drug Administration Director General Nela Charade Puno.
On Oct. 16, suspected communist rebels also ambushed a group of policemen in Aurora that resulted in the death of PO2 Ronald Ruidera.
“We condemn these latest acts of lawless terror by the local communist movement against symbols of government authority. We mourn their loss, but assure the ends of justice will be served,” Albayalde said.
“This is not only an attack on the police, but an assault on a national agency that protects consumer welfare,” he added. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
