PH security, defense fortify presence for CPP-NPA-NDF day on Dec. 26

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 12, 2020): PH security, defense fortify presence for CPP-NPA-NDF day on Dec. 26 (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

PASIG CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said Philippine security and defense forces have strengthened their presence for the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on Dec. 26.

During the Laging Handa public briefing hosted by the Presidential Communications and Operations Office, Lorenzana assured that they will further strengthen military presence since leftist groups might launch an attack.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had earlier ruled out a ceasefire against the CPP-NPA this holiday season.

“Gumagawa sila ng mga karahasan para siguro ipakita sa lahat ng tao na sila ay nandiyan. Hindi pa sila nawawala,” Lorenzana said.

The defense chief, however clarified that the military is not on red alert amid the threat.

“We are not on red alert, we just continue our efforts and activities against insurgency although we will intensify efforts in view of the Dec. 26 anniversary,” he said.

“When we think of ‘all out war’ declaration, it is a whole-of-government approach against insurgency, that is why we have the NTF-ELCAC and we involve the LGUs [local government units],” Lorenzana emphasized.

Meanwhile, in a report by PTV News Ulat Bayan, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Spokesperson and Philippine Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said they are not shocked with the complaint filed by the National Union of People’s Lawyers against several officials of the NTF-ELCAC.

“We expect more of these legal fronts to follow suit. It is an old, worn out tactic of the CPP-NPA-NDF to harass and threaten government to silence us. Unfortunately for them, those days when that worked are long over,” Badoy said.

“They have come before the full force of the government they have tried to destroy,” she added. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061568