New PNP chief vows aggressive, focused operations vs. rebels, terrorists

Police Lieutenant General Dionardo Carlos, the newly-installed chief of the Philippine National Police, underscored Friday that the campaign against communist insurgency would receive a "new shot in the arm" ahead of the national and local elections next year.

Carlos, the 27th PNP chief, made the declaration during the change of command ceremony in Camp Crame as he replaced Police General Guillermo Eleazar. 

He said the PNP would intensify the operations of area police commands to deter the lawless acts of communist rebels.

"The fight against insurgency, terrorism and the dismantling of private armed groups will receive a new shot in the arm as we prepare for the national elections," Carlos said.

"We will further develop and strengthen our area police commands to make our operations on the ground more focused and aggressive as we strive to further deny insurgents, terrorists and private armed groups the opportunity to sow terror in our communities especially during the election period," he added.

Carlos called on the men and women of the PNP, to "muster even greater courage and valor as we march forward against the enemies of peace."

"With technology and the social media fast advancing, criminals are becoming bolder and wiser. Let us not lose heart," he said.

"Let us be a step ahead of the evil elements and prove to the people we serve that they have a police force that they truly deserve, one that will be able to defy all odds in rendering only the best services to the nation," he added.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had said he expects Carlos to intensify efforts against illegal drugs and criminality and to end the communist armed conflict in the country.

Carlos assured the PNP would not be remiss in continuing the reforms that have been started by past leaders even if they focus on fighting criminality and insurgency.—LDF, GMA News