AFP eyes NPA offense as CPP anniversary draws near

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27): AFP eyes NPA offense as CPP anniversary draws near

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Caraga region is not ruling out an intense tactical offense by the New People’s Army (NPA) to mark the 45th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26, this year.

Col. Gregory Cayetano, commander of the Army 401st Brigade, also expressed belief that the armed group might likewise mount any terror attack to show to new leaderships of both the army and police that they are yet a force to reckon with.

It can be recalled that on September 10, 2014, Major General Oscar Lactao assumed post as new 4th Infantry Division (4ID) commander while on November 4, 2014, PCSupt David Yalong Ombao took over as Caraga PNP chief.

However, Cayetano said that it is already “routine” on their part to keep an eye always on any possible terroristic activities that the armed group might carry out especially this time of the year, saying on the other hand, he still hopes for a peaceful Yuletide celebration.

Meanwhile, he pointed out that while he agree that Surigao del Sur remains to be at the top three of insurgency-laden areas in the country as bared by Governor Johnny Pimentel during the new Caraga PNP chief’s courtesy call on Monday, PCSupt David Yalong Ombao, but said that the situation has continuously been improving.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741416985578/afp-eyes-npa-offense-as-cpp-anniversary-draws-near