JTF-NCR ready to protect judges, govt officials against armed communists revolutionaries

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 18, 2020): JTF-NCR ready to protect judges, govt officials against armed communists revolutionaries (By Jimmyley E. Guzman) 

PASIG CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA) -- The Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday assured military protection to those in the side of the law who will be involved in defeating and containing insurgency and addressing its root causes.

"Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in protecting our government officials, including judges, prosecutors and those in charge of enforcing the criminal justice system, in ensuring that the rule of law prevails," the JTF-NCR, AFP said in a statement sent to the PIA-NCR by 1LT Arrianne O. Bichara, the group's public affairs officer.

The JTF-NCR, AFP then said it "actively supports" all joint offensives against communist-terrorist groups out to violently overthrow the government.

"The Joint Task Force NCR, AFP actively supports the recently conducted law enforcement operations by the PNP [Philippine National Police] wherein it served the search warrants issued by RTC QC Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert who was solely doing her job, which led to the apprehension of alleged members of a criminal armed group and was later identified as Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Cadres of the Metro Manila Regional Party Committee (MMRPC) living on high end condominium units and exclusive subdivisions."

"The PNP followed the proper procedures during the application and service of the search warrants," the group pointed out.

The group also encouraged those involved not to succumb to the terrorist group's threats and remain steadfast in the government's drive to end armed conflict in the country.

"[The] JTF NCR, AFP as one of the partners for peace and development at the National Capital Region, encourage everyone to follow the path of peace and condemn those who employ violence and/or intimidation against their own countrymen, especially officers of the court," it said.

"Those arrested may avail of all the legal remedies provided under our democratic system including the right to due process," it added. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1062060