BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial office here on Monday strongly condemned the atrocities perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), in Western Visayas as police units stepped up readiness against possible attacks.
Provincial director Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Castil said in a statement that the PNP is aware of the CPP-NPA attacks after President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the peace talks.
“(The rebels) want to regain and establish their existence, but the PNP stations and units will not be demoralized and will not lower their guards,” he said after declaring a full alert status to preempt possible enemy attacks.
“We are expecting something big on or before December 26 for it is the CPP-NPA’s anniversary, but the PNP is preparing for it,” he added.
Castil also appealed for the cooperation of Negrenses.
“Let us act together to end the long suffering from senseless war and unnecessary loss of lives. The cooperation and participation of the community with the PNP will help attain the peace and order in the province,” he said.
The PNP regional office had earlier urged its units to be aggressive against terrorism, adding that policemen in Western Visayas have been directed to shift their posturing from defense to offensive.
Last Friday, a policeman was killed and 10 others were injured when they were ambushed by NPA rebels on their way to the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Maasin, Iloilo.
Two days earlier, three police officers in Sibalom, Antique were injured during an attack where an improvised explosive device allegedly planted by the rebels exploded. (PNA)
