Albayalde orders PNP units to intensify ops vs. NPA

Asked if there have monitored threats from the NPA, Albayalde answered: “Actually meron na (there is a) threat.” (PNA file photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, on Tuesday ordered all police units to stay vigilant and intensify operations against the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) despite the latter’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire.

Albayalde said he directed all police units to beef up internal security and intelligence operations against the leftist group to ensure peace and order during the Christmas holidays.

“Kaya nga ang sabi natin yung ating mga kapulisan (I told our police force), they should be always alert and vigilant. Kamakailan lang merong harrassment na nangyari kaya ito yung sinasabi natin na (Recently there is a harrassment incident that’s why I’m telling) they should maintain their alertness and of course, (their) camp defense plan,” Albayalde told reporters on Tuesday in ambush interview.

Earlier, the CPP-NPA said they will observe a temporary holiday ceasefire on 12:01 a.m. of December 24 until 11:59 p.m. of December 26; and at 12:01 a.m. of December 31 until 11:59 p.m. of January 1, during the Christmas holidays.

The CPP-NPA will also be celebrating their 50th founding anniversary during the period.

Asked if there have monitored threats from the NPA, Albayalde answered: “Actually meron na (there is a) threat.”

“In Sorsogon, so we expect na meron pa rin mangyayari na ganyan kaya (that there are occurrences so) we have to be on guard lagi (always). Alam naman natin na (We know that) this leftist group, lalo na yung (especially their) armed wing are really trying to show that they are still a force to reckon with. These are very isolated and being perpetrated (in) remote areas (especially in what we call) soft targets,” he added.

Police mobile strike forces were earlier deployed to 10 provinces in Eastern Visayas, Negros Island and Bicol region and have linked-up with their AFP counterparts in an active defense posture to strengthen community defenses against the NPA, the CPP’s armed wing.

Albayalde said that while the PNP maintains a stiff and decisive stance against the CPP/NPA, it is keeping the doors open to all rebels deceived by the false promise of a just society under communist rule, and now want to lead normal lives with their families.