MANILA – Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Mimaropa (Region 4-B) Secretary Alfonso Cusi Wednesday scored the recent encounter between police officers and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“I strongly condemn the ambush perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army against our Philippine National Police personnel in Barangay Cabalwa, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro on 28 September 2020,” Cusi, also the energy chief, said in a statement.
He said three policemen on duty were wounded during the encounter with the members of the CPP-NPA, listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Cusi said the policemen were patrolling to ensure peace and order in the area.
While the PNP officers were doing their duties, the CPP-NPA burned the patrol vehicle of the policemen.
“The latest action from the CPP-NPA only proves that the group is not serious about attaining genuine peace and development. It only shows who they really are terrorists, with no respect for human lives. Their actions continue to reveal their terroristic activities and intentions,” he added.
Cusi also called on Filipinos to rally behind men and women of the country who risk their lives to make communities safe.
“Let us not tolerate terrorism,” he said.