Palace warns public vs. planned NPA attacks

Malacañang on Friday alerted the public against supposed planned attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a press briefing in Davao City, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella called on the public to report to authorities any suspicious person or activity, saying the government has received reports of planned attacks by the NPA.

“We wish to forewarn the public of reported planned attacks of the NPA on people-oriented programs and infrastructure projects. We request the citizenry of Mindanao and everyone else in the country to be on the alert and on the lookout,” Abella said.

“We also appeal to everyone to share information with authorities on suspicious persons and activities in their communities. If we work together, we can prevent these extortion-related activities,” he said.

No details yet

Asked about the details of the said reports, Abella said the public should listen to directives from local government officials.

“We don’t have details about the planned attacks except the warning is that we should be vigilant and careful about our surroundings,” he said.

“Makinig tayo lalo na sa mga bara-barangay, sa mga further directives ng mga local authorities,” Abella added.

Over the weekend, Abella said the NPA’s recent “serious offensives” cast doubt on the sincerity of the communists to talk peace with the government.

The NPA recently raided the Maasin Municipal Police Station and took several firearms from the police station, including eight M16 rifles and four Glock 9mm pistols. They also took five handheld radios, a base radio, and two laptops. — MDM, GMA News