CAMP OLIVAS -- Police officials said Sunday they will intensify security in the province with the assistance of the Philippine Army after an encounter with three suspected communist rebels in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Mexico Friday.
Regional Police Chief Arturo Cacdac Jr. said police and military will intensify security in the province by putting up checkpoints in key areas.
"We'll start controlling criminal elements in the province and intensify security especially in towns like Mabalacat, Apalit, Floridablanca and Mexico," he said.
Army's 7th Infantry Division-703rd Brigade acting chief Ermezto Benitez Jr. said the military has conducted a series of dialogues with the police in the region and efforts are ongoing to neutralize criminal elements.
Three alleged members of Rebolusyonaryong Hukbo ng Bayan (RHB) were killed on Friday afternoon after brief clash with government troops in Barangay Sta. Cruz here.
The armed group was reportedly under the command of a certain "Ka Lara" of Area Party, which operates at the southeast portion of Pampanga.