Tuesday, December 22, 2015

PNP-12 raises security alert in connection with CPP anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): PNP-12 raises security alert in connection with CPP anniversary

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 has raised the security alert in parts of the region in connection with the Communist Party of the Philippines' 47th founding anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 26.

Supt. Rolly Octavio, chief of PRO-12's Regional Public Safety Battalion, said Wednesday all police units in the region are currently on full alert as they brace for possible “shows of force” by the New People's Army (NPA), the CPP's armed wing.

He said such move is based on a directive issued by Region 12 police director, Chief Supt. Manolo Labador.

Octavio said they are not taking any chances as to the area's security despite the holiday ceasefire declared by the CPP last week.

“Based on previous experiences, they (NPA) initiate violent incidents during their anniversary,” he said in a radio interview.

The CPP leadership earlier said the ceasefire, which started today and will continue until Jan. 3, is in “solidarity with the Filipino people’s traditional celebrations of Christmas and New Year holidays.”

The declaration is also intended to “enable the revolutionary forces to carry out mass assemblies and public demonstrations” to mark its 47th anniversary.

Octavio said the ceasefire declaration is a unilateral move of the CPP-NPA and the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines have not declared a suspension of police operations and suspension of military operations, respectively.

“There were no major engagements by our units with the NPA these past weeks but their criminal activities have continued,” he said.

The official specifically cited the attack staged by NPA rebels two weeks ago on a construction firm working on a road widening project in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and the burning last week of a passenger jeepney in the outskirts of Koronadal City.

Owing to this, he said their intensified security operations are currently ongoing, especially in identified vulnerable areas in the region.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan, Tacurong and Cotabato.

Octavio said the security operations of local police stations are being supported by personnel under the Provincial Public Safety and City Public Safety companies.

He said a team under the Regional Special Action Force is currently on standby for possible augmentation.

“We're on full operations and maximizing all our resources to avert possible untoward incidents during the holidays,” he added.
 

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