ILOILO City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are on full alert ahead of the 52nd founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
The NPA, founded on March 29, 1969, is known to launch atrocities to mark its anniversary.
Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, said all police stations are prepared.
“We have alerted all our men,” he said. “The CPP-NPA does not want people to live in peace and progress. The government is offering them reform but they instead wage violence.”
The top cop was likewise concerned by the series of encounters with the rebels his men have gone through, especially these past few weeks.
“We won’t stop this fight. We will run after these terrorists,” Gorero stressed.
On the other hand, Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Cenon Pancito reiterated that the rebels bring nothing but violence to the community.
“The rebels’ desperate situation pushes them to instigate violence by committing terroristic activities such as explosions, arson and ambuscades, among others,” Pancito said.
He added that if indeed the rebels are true champions of the people, now is the “best time to consider hearing the people’s clamor for progress and lay down arms.”
“Armed struggle will never be the right solution to address any social issue,” Pancito stressed./PN
