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Sunday, July 2, 2017
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MANILA – Malacañang called on the public to be vigilant against possible attacks from the New People’s Army (NPA), noting “several serious offensives” of the rebels against state troops and civilians in the past weeks.
Reported planned attacks on “programs and infrastructure projects” are extortion-related, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in the Mindanao Hour briefing over Radyo Pilipinas yesterday.
“We wish to forewarn the public of reported planned attacks of the NPA on people-oriented programs and infrastructure projects and request the citizenry of Mindanao and everyone else in the country to be on the alert and on the lookout,” Abella said.
The Palace official also asked the public to beware of suspicious-looking people and activities in their localities.
“We also appeal to everyone to share information with authorities on suspicious persons and activities,” said Abella. “Sabi nga po nila (As they say), if we can work together, we can prevent these extortion-related activities.”
Government troops and NPA rebels engaged in a firefight in Cateel, Davao Oriental, and again in Pantukan, Compostela Valley on June 17.
NPA rebels raided the police station in Maasin, Iloilo the following day. They disarmed officers and carted away firearms and equipment.
“Para po sa perspective ng militar, ang mga gawain po na mga planned attacks na ito ng mga NPA are all extortion-related (For the military, these planned attacks by the NPA are all extortion-related),” Abella said.
Earlier Abella described the Maasin police station raid as “opportunistic in nature.”
“We ask the NDF (National Democratic Front) to call on their armed comrades on the ground to walk the talk and to show genuine sincerity on the confidence-building measures initiated by the government and their side,” he said.
The NPA-Panay claimed they targeted the Maasin police station because its officers were extorting from local vendors and tolerating the proliferation of illegal drugs and illegal gambling.
“Panis na iyong excuse na iyon. Huwag n’yo na patulan (Don’t mind that antiquated excuse),” Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces spokesperson, said of the rebels’ justifications.
“They do this intentionally … to get more arms,” Padilla added. “We should not believe their excuses.” (With Philippine News Agency/PN)
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