Police on alert for NPA anniversary
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, said they are currently finalizing security plans for the upcoming holiday season, which is set to begin on December 16, the first day of the nine-day Aguinaldo mass, or “Simbang Gabi.”
Baleros said the entire police force has been placed on “Red Alert,” wherein all pertinent offices are expected to report to the main office on a 24-hour basis. He also ordered police chiefs from various cities and municipalities to enhance anti-crime patrols, especially in crowded areas.
Police chiefs were also ordered to coordinate with force multipliers in their respective localities and advised them to help in road traffic administration. In addition, police were instructed to assist motorists in the event of mechanical troubles or accidents.
Meanwhile, Baleros said they are on alert for possible attacks by New People’s Army (NPA) since the insurgent group will be celebrating their founding anniversary this month.
He said police chiefs should “adopt a tight defensive posture, be more vigilant, and coordinate with other friendly forces.”
“We are always expecting for enemy assaults because of the series of encounters in Himamaylan and Isabela, plus the arrest of NPA supporters in Bacolod City last month,” he said.
Under a “Red Alert,” Baleros said all leave requests are canceled and police personnel are required to report to their respective police stations./DGB, WDJ