DND to scrutinize PRRD plan to form anti-SPARU unit

By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said they will study and look very closely on President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to form a unit that will go after the communist rebels’ “Special Partisan Unit” or (SPARU).

“We will study it very closely. Who will compose it, who will supervise it, who will be the targets? Who will be accountable? Because there is great danger of abuse or mistakes in these undercover operations,” he said in a message to reporters.

When asked to expound on the mistakes, the DND chief said he was referring to misidentification of targets.

“Mistakes in identifying their targets. Baka kamukha lang o ininguso ng ibang tao (he or she might only look similar to the target or was just wrongly tagged). One way to prevent this is for someone higher up to give the go signal after careful and thorough vetting. Dapat walang blanket authority yung mga operatives. (Operatives should not have blanket authority on the matter),” Lorenzana stressed.

Earlier, Duterte mulled the creation of the unit to go after SPARU members, who are known for assassinating people.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde said he is still to receive instructions from the President regarding the matter.

Wala pang (there is still no) specific guidance dyan (on that),” he added. (With reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Popular

Palace respects ICC’s confirmation of charges vs. FPRRD

By Brian Campued Malacañang on Thursday said it respects the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) latest ruling on the confirmation of charges against former President Rodrigo...

Political issues won’t affect PH’s hosting of ASEAN 2026 —Palace

By Brian Campued The Philippines’ hosting of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu in May will push through amid current...

Palace won’t reject VP Sara’s travel request —Castro

By Brian Campued Malacañang will not reject any request for travel authority to be submitted by Vice President Sara Duterte, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro...

PBBM installs Mel Senen Sarmiento as new peace adviser

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet After a press briefing announcement late Tuesday confirming Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.’s decision to step down from his post, President Ferdinand...