Saturday, March 29, 2008 Cops on full alert v. Reds attacks
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) went on nationwide full alert status effective Friday to ensure operational readiness against possible hostilities by the communist New People's Army (NPA).
PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. raised the nationwide alert level as a preemptive measure against anticipated offensive actions by the NPA ahead of the 40th founding anniversary of the underground movement.
"Historically, the NPA has been known to launch armed hostilities and tactical offensives against soft targets and other targets of opportunity as their way of commemorating their anniversary," Razon explained.
PNP Director for Operations Silverio Alarcio Jr. has alerted all PNP regional offices and national support units to activate their respective security and public safety plans to prevent the movement of local communist insurgents in their areas of responsibility.
"There is a possibility that the NPA might launch terrorist acts against less secured police and military outposts, and vulnerable government installations including some business establishments and other soft targets," Alarcio told police commanders in a memorandum circulated among regional offices and national support units.
Police units were instructed to implement counter measures and precautionary plans, to intensify intelligence operations to preempt and anticipate terrorist actions, establish listening posts, and mobilize Barangay Information Networks.
Police regional and provincial directors were also instructed to conduct field inspection of police stations and remote outposts. (VR/Sunnex)
