PNP shifts to offensive against NPA ahead of CPP anniversary

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it has shifted to the offensive stance against the New People's Army (NPA) recently tagged by the government as a terrorist organization after peace talks with the communist group bogged down.

In a statement, the PNP said it has mobilized tactical and maneuver units for a coordinated offensive against the NPA alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The PNP added that it has placed all of its units on alert against possible hostilities by the NPA.

The police is expecting the NPA to launch attacks ahead of the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26. The NPA is the armed wing of the CPP.

Director Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, chief of the PNP's Directorate for Operations, said all police units should initiate countermeasures against the possible NPA attacks before the CPP anniversary.

"Offense is always better than defense. Preventive and prophylactic combat patrols in coordination with the AFP should be launched in addition to target hardening of all camps and vital installations,” Cascolan said.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the NPA as a terrorist organization after signing Proclamation No. 360, terminating peace talks with the communist group.

In asking for a extension of martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 18, 2018, Duterte also cited threats from the NPA.

Congress granted Duterte's request for extension last week. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ALG, GMA News