PNP on full alert for CPP’s 33rd year

Police units all over the country were placed on red alert yesterday to ward off possible attacks by communist guerrillas marking the 33rd anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Leandro Mendoza directed his men to intensify their intelligence monitoring to thwart any attempts by the rebels to launch terrorist attacks.

"Notwithstanding the ongoing ceasefire between the Arroyo government and the dissidents, records are replete with instances of violations and terrorist attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA)," Mendoza said.

He pointed out that the NPA traditionally staged terrorist activities in observance of the CPP’s anniversary "to give the false impression that it is still capable of destabilizing the government."

Mendoza warned police commanders against engaging in activities that would unnecessarily expose them to rebel attacks.

Metro Manila police chief Director Edgar Aglipay dispatched additional policemen to strengthen security for vital public and private installations and commercial establishments.

Aglipay took the move to prevent a recurrence of the spate of bomb attacks that rocked Metro Manila on Dec. 30 last year that left 22 people dead and nearly a hundred others wounded.

Aglipay also mobilized the anti-terrorist task force to monitor moves by the rebels, including Muslim insurgents who might try to sow chaos during the holidays.

"The President’s instruction is very clear. She wants us to ensure that there won’t be a repeat of the Dec. 30 bombings to enable our countrymen to celebrate the New Year peacefully and meaningfully," Mendoza said.