Military in Northern Mindanao on high alert, adopts preemptive defensive mode

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): Military in Northern Mindanao on high alert, adopts preemptive defensive mode

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City -- A military “high alert” and preemptive defensive mode had been issued among unit commanders in Northern Mindanao following declaration of the National Democratic Front (NDF) to dishonor the “unilateral ceasefire,” a military official said Wednesday.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, Army's 4th Infantry Division (ID) spokesman, said that the directive was in consonance to the instruction of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to government troopers once attacked by communist rebels.

Lorenzana, who visited this camp Wednesday, on the occasion of the Army’s 47th founding anniversary, said that the government troopers would continue to honor the unilateral ceasefire, but would be ready to fight back once assaulted by enemies.

Martinez said that Army units in Northern Mindanao, which cover the Caraga Region, were instructed to be on a “high alert” and on defensive stance while securing the military’s defense perimeter.

He said that under the situation, the military would not launch any military action against the communist rebels, but would coordinate with the local law enforcers whenever necessary in running after criminals and fugitives.

Jorge Madlos, the NDF spokesperson for Mindanao, said that the New People’s Army (NPA), the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), would cease to honor the unilateral ceasefire effective Feb. 10, 2017.

Madlos issued the statement Wednesday after confirming that the NPA launched attacks on military detachments in Northern Mindanao the past two days.

The military denounced the attacks, which slightly wounded three government troopers and the abduction of Pfc. Erwin Sala, of the Army's 29IB in the hinterland village of Alegria, Surigao Del Norte.

Martinez said that the military would not take retaliatory measures until further instructions from Army headquarters and the Commander-In-Chief.

Martinez, however, said that the military, which has always adopted a higher level of alert, has doubled its defense and security alertness following the NPA’s renewed attack against military units in Northern Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=960226