Military, PNP on alert on CPP anniversary

Both the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police are on alert on Sunday for possible attacks or rallies during the 53rd anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Philippine Army chief Major General Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement that the CPP has nothing to celebrate on their anniversary as the public “remember only the atrocities committed by their organization,” together with the New People's Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF).

Due to this, the troops were tasked to ensure the security of the people if there would be any action that would arise.

“All Army units nationwide were directed to be vigilant and to perform proactive measures to ensure that the CPP-NPA Terrorist can not launch atrocities against our security forces and the public,” Brawner said.

He added that their humanitarian assistance and disaster response in areas affected by Typhoon Odette will continue while taking measures for any possible attacks.

Meanwhile, police personnel from the Manila Police District were also seen in position along the Mendiola Peace Arch on Sunday morning for possible attacks or demonstrations by or against the CPP.

Several residents of Sitio San Roque in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City protested to condemn the anniversary of CPP.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) also hit back at the CPP on its anniversary by saying that the government’s whole of nation approach was “successful” in diminishing the number of terrorist groups this year.

AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Andres Centino noted that the military has reduced the capabilities of CPP with the neutralization of its top leaders, the dismantling of 21 guerilla fronts and weakening of 14 others, and the clearing of 340 conflict-affected barangays, causing the surrender of its members and the withdrawal of support of their exploited masses. —LBG, GMA News