THE ARMED Forces yesterday said it has observed an increase in attacks staged by the New People’s Army since President Duterte officially announced the cancellation of talks between government and communist group.
“There has been an increase in violent activities, particularly attacks on police stations and outlying detachments, particularly those manned by Cafgus,” said AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla.
Duterte on Friday warned the public of more “virulent” attacks from the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and of increased criminal activities like extortion and burning of vehicles of companies that refuse to give extortion money. He cancelled the talks late Thursday.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said yesterday the military is anticipating intensified attacks by the NPA “against innocent and defenseless targets” following the formal termination of the peace process.
He said has instructed field units to also step up “focused military operations to destroy the NPA, and to protect our communities against terrorism.”
Latest military estimates place the NPA strength at around 3,800.
Padilla said NPA rebel attacks include last Friday’s ambush in Maasin town in Iloilo, which left a policeman dead and 10 other policemen injured.
“There are also incidents in other areas in Mindanao. There are also reports of harassment in various areas in Mindanao,” said Padilla, without giving details.
“They already started it, they are already making their presence felt. They’re out, conducting harassment. They’re just (harassment). They cannot fight us frontally. They will hit the police because they’re weaker and the far-flung (military) detachments but they will not engage us frontally,” he also said.
As to the measures adopted by the military, Padilla said, “We have sent our message to all units, informing them of this latest development and we will remain vigilant and alert.”
NDFP CONSULTANTS
Padilla also asked consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, who were released from jail last year to participate in the peace talks.
President Duterte said around 30 NDF consultants were released though NDFP legal counsel Edre Olalia said there were only 19. The consultants include CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon and his wife, CPP secretary general Wilma Austria, who were arrested by the military in 2014 in Cebu for various crimes.
In the event the freed consultants would not surrender, Padilla said: “I will only describe that with two words -- bad faith. We entered into a negotiation in good faith. The government showed its sincerity.”
Padilla said the consultants were released by the government “so they can participate in the negotiations but they (consultants) also know that and they are aware that their release from custody is only temporary.”
Duterte, at the celebration of the 67th founding anniversary of the First Scout Rangers Regiment last Friday, said he wanted to strengthen the Armed Forces through the acquisition of new and more powerful and modernized equipment to be able to address any threats.
“I want you to be prepared if there is another offensive either from the Communist Party, the NPAs, or the terrorism. But I will never, never allow them to --- it’s not in our system to allow them just to do their thing. Maybe I can promise them that what they do to the Filipino, I will do it to them,” he said.
Later that night, at the alumni homecoming of the San Beda College of Law, Duterte explained his decision to terminate the talks and warned of potential violence while reassuring the public that the government troops are there to ensure their welfare.
“I know that there will be a virulent period from here on. But we have a very good Armed Forces and police that you can depend on. I intend to build a strong Armed Forces and police,” he said.
“Expect a more violent activity of all sorts. And the never-ending problem of extortion. Everyday, on TV (television), you’ll see the burning of many… burning vehicles there of companies failing to pay the revolutionary tax,” he added.
The President said government is prepared to go to war with the communists who failed to reciprocate the acts of goodwill shown by his administration over the past year, like the continued pursuit of peace talks and the release of political consultants.
A unilateral ceasefire had also been declared by the Duterte government which it later withdrew after attacks on government forces.
http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-attacks-increasing-says-afp
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