AFP to declare 'red alert' ahead of NPA's foundation anniv.

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) today said it will declare a nationwide Red Alert, the highest military security alert status, on Saturday noon, ahead of the celebration of the 46th foundation of the New People's Army (NPA) the following day.

The Red Alert will be in effect until Monday noon, said Harold Cabunoc, AFP public affairs office chief, at a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, adding that the government troops are not allowed to leave their stations during the Red Alert.

Cabunoc said the military is declaring Red Alert because NPA members traditionally launch attacks on government installations and communities to mark their anniversary.

"We will take pre-emptive measures to thwart their evil plans such as mounting violent attacks against communities and government installations," said Cabunoc, referring to the NPA which the military claims has about 3,000 men.

On Thursday noon, NPA rebels ambushed the convoy of Agusan Del Norte Governor Angel Amante-Matba, after she inaugurated a school in barangay Mimbahandi in Nasipit town. One of her police escorts, PO1 Vincent Ubouzet, was wounded.

Cabunoc said the armed escort of the governor fought it out with the insurgents who later withdrew with an undetermined number of casualties. He said the governor survived the ambush unscathed.

Cabunoc said NPA strength continues to decrease, from their peak of more than 20,000 men in the 1980s.