PA, PNP downplay NPA’s capability to launch attacks in E. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2023): PA, PNP downplay NPA’s capability to launch attacks in E. Visayas (By Sarwell Meniano)

FAKE. The statement of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division on the fake message circulating online. The PA and the PNP said the NPAs can no longer launch attacks because of the latter's dwindling capabilities. (Philippine Army photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas have belied reports circulating online about the planned attacks of the New People's Army.

The PA was referring to a statement circulating on social media these past days, informing the public that the police and the military in Samar Island are on full alert status for possible attacks.

The 8th Infantry Division of the PA immediately branded the statement as “black propaganda orchestrated by enemies of the state to attract support from sympathizers and instill fear in the populace.”

The message, which was shared multiple times, warns the public to avoid entering malls, churches, public markets, and other places of convergence.

“The Army enjoins the general public to refrain from sharing and posting such disinformation that would tend to exacerbate the situation as it causes panic and fear from among the people of Samar and other nearby areas,” the 8th Infantry Division said.

In a separate statement, the PNP regional office here asked the public not to entertain such disinformation and refrain from sharing it with others.

“With this, the whole force of Police Regional Office 8 assures the public that all police personnel are doing their best efforts in maintaining the peace and order in the whole of Eastern Visayas,” the PNP said.

Earlier, the regional task force to end local communist armed conflict said the NPA cannot launch attacks in town centers with their weakening forces in the region.

Of the four NPA guerrilla fronts that operated in Samar Island last year, one was dismantled early in 2023 and the other one has been weakened.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199322