INSTEAD of ordering the suspension of police operations during the Christmas holidays, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said on Monday, December 17, that he directed his men to intensify police operations against the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
“Yes, over the years kasi nakita naman natin tuwing magkakaroon ng ceasefire agreement ‘yung biltateral usually doon nagte-take advantage ang CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA para mag-extort, mag amass ng firearms so nakikita natin they are just taking advantage of the SOMO (Suspension of Military Operations),” he said.
“Kaya ngayong taon na ito ay kahit na sabihin natin kung talagang sila (CPP-NPA) man ay magde-declare ng unilateral ceasefire ay ‘yung AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at PNP patuloy kami sa aming mga internal security operations at law enforcement operation. Hindi natin nakikita ‘yung kanilang sinsiredad kapag nagde-declare ng SOMO or ceasefire both from their end at ng gobyerno,” he added.
Albayalde said he directed all the PNP units to beef up internal security, target hardening and intelligence operations against the leftist group to ensure peace and order during the Christmas holidays.
Earlier, the CPP-NPA said they will observe a temporary holiday ceasefire from 12:01 a.m. of December 24 until 11:59 p.m. of December 26 and from 12:01 a.m. of December 31 until 11:59 p.m. of January 1.
The CPP-NPA will be celebrating their 50th founding anniversary during the said period.
The AFP earlier said they will not implement a SOMO as it may “again” be one of the many tactics of the CPP-NPA against the government and the people. (SunStar Philippines)