The Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) slammed the New People’s Army (NPA), following the recent encounter in Sibalom, Antique, which left three police officers wounded.

PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, said the public must be aware that the harassment of the CAFGU detachment in Barangay Bulalacao by communist rebels, along with subsequent encounters, are acts of terrorism.

He stated, the rebels’ actions marred the tranquility the province of Antique has been experiencing for years.

Gorero quoted Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao, who earlier said before the Antique Provincial Peace and Order Council, “The province is peaceful and ready for development;” and added, the NPA is “bent on disrupting and preventing the peace and development efforts to prosper.”

He affirmed, the community should know the rebel group remains a threat to peace and development, not just in the province but across Region 6.

Gorero added, PRO-6 and the Philippine Army are ready to defend the country’s constitution from terror acts in order to preserve peace and order.

He also urged the public to report the rebel group’s presence and their extortion activity.

Both the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) previously released a statement condemning the actions of the NPA and calling it “an act of terrorism.”/DGB, WDJ