PNP on alert as CPP marks anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has beefed up security across the country as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) celebrates its 53rd anniversary today.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said police personnel in regional offices and national operating units are on alert.

He said the PNP’s Special Action Force and all 17 Regional Mobile Force Battallions were asked to prepare for deployment and quick reaction to any contingency.

“The CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), are known to stage armed offensives to drumbeat commemoration of significant dates in the underground communist organization,” Carlos said in a statement.

He cited documented incidents of high-profile tactical engagements against government forces and attacks against soft targets every Dec. 26 and NPA anniversary on March 29.

Police units involved in relief operations in areas hit by Typhoon Odette are also on alert following attacks staged by suspected NPA rebels on PNP personnel conducting response missions in Samar and Surigao del Sur.

Carlos said the PNP’s stance against the CPP-NPA is in line with heightened security measures being implemented nationwide during the Christmas season as well as relief and rehabilitation efforts in typhoon-hit areas.

President Duterte had said he is not keen on reviving peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front, the political arm of the CPP.

Last year, Duterte said he would no longer declare a ceasefire with the NPA, which has been the practice of the government, during the Christmas holiday.