PNP also suspends offensive operations vs Reds

MANILA, Philippines – In line with President Duterte’s directive, the Philippine National Police declared yesterday a suspension of offensive police operations (SOPO) against communist rebels.

PNP deputy chief for operations Director Benjamin Magalong said the SOPO with the Communists Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) took effect immediately.

“This pertains to the declaration of the President of a unilateral ceasefire with CNN starting July 25. SOPO against CNN is hereby declared effective immediately,” Magalong said in referring to the CPP-NPA-NDF, collectively called CNN.

Magalong said all police units are ordered to cease tactical operations against the rebels.

He added the SOPO will not cover normal law enforcement operations including the service of warrants of arrest, search warrants, anti-criminality patrols and establishment of checkpoints.

“Recognizing our inherent right to self defense, all units must remain on guard and maintain a high state of readiness to respond to enemy hostile actions,” he added.

“All SAF (Special Action Force) test missions will be suspended except competency training.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday ordered all its unified and major service commanders to suspend military operations (SOMO) against communist rebels.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya issued the directive following President Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno has ordered the police force to observe the SOPO.

Sueno, however, said the PNP would be on a defense mode during the SOPO.

He said public order and safety will still be in place as the ceasefire is being worked out.

“The public need not worry that we are letting our guard down. Peace and order are constant priority of the government,” Sueno said.