PNP Region 8 on alert for possible rebel attacks

PALO, Leyte, Feb. 14 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has raised alert over possible attacks of New People’s Army (NPA) in town centers after the termination of unilateral ceasefire between the government and communist rebels.

“We have strengthened forces of different police stations by augmenting them with personnel from the Police Public Safety Company and the support system from the Philippine Army,” said PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar.

Beltejar feared that the recent clash in the mountains of Albuera between soldiers and rebels groups may also happen in populated areas.

“With our army counterpart operating in hinterlands, we will fortify our police stations against possible attacks. We have prepared for that by all means,” Beltejar told reporters.

The police regional chief ordered policemen to fight back if their police stations will be raided by rebel groups.

“I always remind them to always carry their guns and by all means defend their police stations,” Beltejar said, citing an in incident last year when NPA rebels raided the police station of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar and took 17 firearms.

Col. Francisco Mendoza, Army 802nd brigade commander said police stations and military camps are targets of rebel attacks in Leyte province.

The army official believes that armed rebels are not capable to launch massive attacks but their sporadic force may still conduct raids on vital facilities of law enforcement groups.

On Feb. 10, Army 8th Infantry Division Commander Major General Raul Farnacio announced the resumption of military combat operations against NPAs in Eastern Visayas.

“The 8th Infantry Division will pursue its combat operations as per guidance by our Commander-in-Chief to stop the violent atrocities being perpetrated by the NPA. In the conduct of offensive operations against this terrorist group, rest assured that the militaries will strongly adhere to our sworn duty of serving and securing the people against all threats and instilling among our troops the respect for human rights, rule of law and international humanitarian law,” the statement said.

The military official also solicits support from communities on the campaign against rebels and terrorist groups to pursue and achieve the lasting peace in the region. (PNA)
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