PNP Eastern Visayas on alert for possible rebel attacks

TACLOBAN CITY, July 21 -- At the height of threats of armed rebels to launch attacks, the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here said all units are on alert against any attempt to overrun police stations.

PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said that they’re able to eliminate the vulnerability of police stations to attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA).

“While the Philippine Army continues combat operation against communist rebels, our police stations have been preparing for possible attacks,” Beltejar said on Thursday.

The official made the statement after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) asked its armed wing, the NPA, to launch “armed counteractions and offensives” across the country.

The violent action is a protest against the proposed five-month extension of Martial Law in Mindanao. 

All units have been stepping up its defense since last year after 20 communist rebels raided a police station in March 2016 in Balangkayan, Eastern Samar and escaped with 17 firearms, laptops and personal belongings of policemen.

The five policemen on duty were overpowered by the group of armed men who barged into the police station. No one was hurt during the incident.

The police have been more alert especially after the town plaza bombing in Hilongos, Leyte on Dec. 28 last year that injured 32 people and spoiled the town fiesta celebration, according to Beltejar.

One proof that they are ready, according to the official, was when three police officers were not hurt when NPA members ambushed a police car in Giporlos, Eastern Samar last month. Cops managed to fire back, prompting the rebels to withdraw. 

The police has been focusing in Samar provinces because of past incidents of rebel attacks. The remote villages in Samar have been tagged as hotbed of the NPA. 

Poor road network, poverty and low level of education are the major factors why communism thrives in Samar provinces.(Sarwell Q. Meniano/PNA)