AFP steps up security efforts as NPA marks 50th founding day

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2019): AFP steps up security efforts as NPA marks 50th founding day

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City --The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command (AFP-Nolcom) is enhancing its internal security operations in anticipation of possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) in line with its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.

Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, AFP-Nolcom commander, said the series of burning incidents perpetrated by NPA members in Cagayan the past days are suspected to be linked to the approaching anniversary of the communist terrorist group.

He said that military troopers in the area of Cagayan have coordinated with the Philippine National Police for joint operations to further investigate and thwart the inhumane acts of the NPA.

“Time and again, communist NPA terrorists showed their terroristic intents against the community and the Filipino people, thus we are strengthening our military capabilities and coordination with other concerned agencies and stakeholders to mitigate and stop these atrocious attacks,” said Salamat in a statement.

Likewise, he said that units under Nolcom, the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), the 7th Infantry Division (7ID), Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon (TOWNOL), and Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) are on standby and ready to act on any situation or as the need arises.

Salamat also asked the public to be more vigilant on the suspicious movement or activities of rebels in the communities.

“Please do not be afraid to coordinate with the soldiers and our police counterpart if these suspicious activities are observed inside your communities as a preventive measure against these acts of atrocities,” he added.

He further said that the AFP-Nolcom will continue to work closely with the populace and other agencies and stakeholders of Northern and Central Luzon to sustain peace and security.

“We will continue to pressure the communist terrorist group to give up its arms and return to the mainstream society, so the country could move forward for more progress and development of the communities, particularly in geographically isolated and displaced areas,” Salamat said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065879