By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) have adopted proactive measures against the New People’s Army (NPA) ahead of the insurgent group’s anniversary on December 26.
3ID spokesperson, Army Captain Cenon Pancito III, said the Philippine Army has intensified pursuit operations against the rebels. At the same time, he said their camps across the region have been ordered to adopt a defensive stance in order to thwart any attacks.
Meanwhile, PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, said police chiefs in the region were ordered to intensify information gathering in areas where there are reported sightings of NPA insurgents.
Police stations across the region were also placed in a defensive posture and law enforcement officials have been deployed to convergence areas such as churches, terminals, parks, and vital installations.
In addition, both the police and military are urging the local populace to immediately report sightings of “suspicious individuals.”
Earlier this month, the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA “persona non-grata,” or unwelcome. City Councilor Al Victor Espino, who penned the resolution, cited Executive Order No. 16, s. 2017, which focused the nation on a united national security policy that calls for an end to all armed threats in the Philippines.
The city official noted, “There is a need to reframe and refocus the government policy for achieving inclusive and sustainable peace by recognizing that insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats are not only military and security concerns but are symptomatic of broader social, economic, and historical problems, such as poverty, historical injustice, social inequality, and lack of inclusivity, among others.”
In response, Bacolod City Police Office director, Police Colonel Henry Biñas, and then-Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, welcomed the development./DGB, WDJ