MANILA — While it reiterated that there is no systematic pattern seen in the recent killings of local officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that some groups are taking advantage of the situation to undermine the government.
“(W)alang pattern. Ang pattern lang maraming sumakasay (saying) state actors ang tumira niyan, yun ang pattern ( There is no pattern, the only pattern is there are those who ride the issue claiming state actors did it, that is the pattern),” PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. told newsmen on Wednesday.
Durana underscored that communist leaders have ordered their organizations to work for the President’s ouster following the collapse of peace talks with the Philippine government.
“You must realize that the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front), the government found out na meron silang (that they have a plan — Oust Duterte 2018. Remember Plaza Miranda,” Durana said.
He was referring to the bombing of a political rally in 1971, which was allegedly perpetrated by communist rebels to destabilize the government of then President Ferdinand Marcos.
“(S)ome quarters can wittingly or unwittingly play into the playbook of the enemies of the government,” Durana added.
“I am not saying there is a destabilization plot, but it may encourage some quarters to do overt and covert acts to exacerbate the situation which is totally under control by the national government. It may be exploited by enemies of the state,” he said.
The PNP spokesperson, however, stressed there are no indications that this will prompt authorities to impose martial law. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
