PNP on high alert, gears up for possible clashes with NPA rebels

The Philippine National Police is on high alert for possible clashes against communist rebels following the Communist Party of the Philippines’ announcement of mounting offensives across the country in response to the one-year extension of the imposition of martial law in Mindanao.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde announced that police mobile strike forces have already been deployed to 10 provinces in Eastern Visayas, Negros Island and the Bicol Region and these police forces have formed an active defense posture in coordination with their military counterparts to strengthen community defenses against communist rebels.

“The latest order of Joma Sison of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA) exposed the culture of lies, deception and violence of the aging underground movement in its 50-year rebellion to wrest power from government anew,” Albayalde said in a statement.

Albayalde also accused the communists of using the congressional approval of the one-year extension of implementing martial law in Mindanao as an excuse to attack government forces which is contrary to the communist rebels’ earlier pronouncement of a five-day Yuletide and unilateral ceasefire.

“We urge our people to maintain vigilance and not be intimidated by this vain attempt by the CPP/NPA to salvage its waning reputation and regain lost support of the masses that they continue to terrorize and oppress,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde, however, clarified that the PNP would not shut its doors on communist rebels who will lay down their arms and surrender to the government.

“While the PNP maintains a stiff and decisive stance against the CPP/NPA, we are keeping the doors open to all rebels who were deceived by the false promise of a just society under communist rule, and now want to lead normal lives with their families. We [will] gladly welcome them into the folds of the law to enjoy the blessings of democracy,” he said.

Albayalde likewise called on the rebels to avail of the government’s livelihood package and compensation for surrendered firearms under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“We call on them to lay down their arms and come home to spend Christmas with their families,” he said.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President can only declare martial law in cases of rebellion, invasion or if public safety requires it. In addition, the implementation of martial law allows authorities to arrest suspected rebels or criminals without a warrant and charge them within three days.

Should the authorities fail to charge these suspects within three days, these suspects must be freed. — RSJ, GMA News