MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has tightened its security for possible attacks from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels after President Duterte permanently terminated peace talks with the communist insurgents.
PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac over the weekend said police commanders have been alerted as they expect the rebels will launch attacks in response to Duterte’s decision.
Duterte announced he is closing the doors on peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), saying he would no longer entertain attempts to convince him to return to the negotiating table.
Duterte told the rebels to just talk with the next president when he steps down in 2022.
As a preemptive measure, Banac said police officers were ordered to institute measures to secure their respective police stations in the event rebels launch an attack.
Aside from the NPA, the PNP is also on the lookout for terror groups including the Abu Sayyaf.
“We all consider them as threats to national security which is why the PNP is tightening security measures,” Banac said.
With Duterte’s decision, the PNP is ready for localized peace talks with the rebels.
Banac assured rebels who want to surrender that the government will accept them with open arms.
“The PNP welcomes them anytime and they can avail of the opportunity in the localized peace talks,” he said.