PNP lauds military, police troops' feat in Batangas clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): PNP lauds military, police troops' feat in Batangas clash

The CALABARZON Police Regional Office (PRO-4A) hailed the feat of the joint government troops for their successful operations during their encounter on Tuesday evening against communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Nasugbu, Batangas where around 15 rebels were killed and several firearms and a grenade launcher were seized following the gun battle.

Chief Supt. Ma O R. Aplasca, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) Regional Police Director, led the regional police force in giving “salute to the gallantry of the personnel of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) who have successfully neutralized the communist terrorist (CT) group.”

Aplasca, however, cautioned that “we should continue to be vigilant to prevent any possible retribution of this group against government personnel and facilities in the whole region.”

He reported that an undetermined number of communist rebels were able to escape on foot but they are now the subject of follow-up operations by the joint elements of AFP and PNP.

The regional police command also commended the feat of the 730th Combat Group, Batangas Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) and Nasugbu police force for their continuing operations.

“This operation is a product of hard work, coordination and cooperation between the AFP-PNP and most especially the support extended by the community through the giving of timely and accurate information as to the presence and movement of the CTs in their area,” the regional police commander said.

Aplasca also said the latest feat “signals the end of atrocities of the NPA and we expect that extortion activities of this terrorist group will eventually stop.”

He enjoined everyone, particularly politicians and the business community, whom they have already identified as supporters of this terrorist group, to instead cooperate with the government.

Recently, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte tagged the New People’s Army as a terrorist group and subsequently signed Proclamation No. 360 terminating the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

“Thus, we further appeal for the continued and stronger community support as we are nearing the end of the reign of terror posed by the NPA in CALABARZON particularly in the 1st District of Batangas,” Aplasca said.

The police regional headquarters said the partnership of the AFP and PNP with the community is an offshoot of the joint project of mobilizing the community against all forms of lawlessness, criminalities and terrorism.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1017464