Police now checking intelligence reports: Sparrow Unit now in Cebu?

If intelligence reports are proven true, then corrupt government officials, allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and police scalawags better double their security. This as Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director said that they are verifying the reports that 20 newly-trained members of the Sparrow Unit of the New People's Army (NPA) are now in Cebu to do test missions.

The report said that the group, which included four women, coming from Butuan City landed on the shores of Liloan in northern Cebu.

The mission of these people from the rebel movement, according to the intelligence reports, is to kill corrupt government officials, supporters of the president, and scalawags in the police ranks.

Loot said that they got the report last week and are still checking its veracity.

The provincial police chief is not however taking any chances and has already deployed personnel to trace the whereabouts of these NPA rebels.

The Sparrow Unit of the NPA has been tagged in many summary executions since the 1980s. It is considered as the liquidation squad of the NPA and goes after the so-called "enemies of the people."

Precautionary measures are now also in place in all police stations under Loot's command to neutralize these NPA recruits.

The group was reportedly trained in Doongon, Butuan City and are now in Cebu for four to eight months.

Other members of the group are reportedly in Dumaguete City to also conduct similar test missions.

Insp. Milo Dagasdas, the chief of police of Liloan town, confirmed to The Freeman that they also got such report.

He however said that their intelligence group, in coordination with the Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN), was not able to monitor any suspicious persons in their area.

Dagasdas said that they always monitor the beaches in their area since many people go there.

The Bantay Dagat personnel, who are guarding not only the marine sanctuary, but are also monitoring suspicious sea vessels that will dock in the area.

The Cebu City Police Office also received a similar report and is also doing it own follow-up to check if this is true.

Acting CCPO director Melvin Gayotin said that the intelligence division has been tasked to verify the said report.

The city police chief has already taken measures to increase police presence to help prevent untoward incidents brought about by the presence of the NPA Sparrow Unit.

He said, they are putting more people in areas that are frequented by visitors to help ensure their safety.

Police Regional Office-7 chief Silverio Alarcio has already directed Gayotin to intensify the conduct of checkpoints and preventive patrols.

In Mandaue City, Police S/Supt. Eduardo Catabas also said that they are building up their intelligence network in the barangays being a possible entry point of the group.

Catabas said that everything is considered in preparation also of the Asean Summit to be held in the city.

Catabas said that whether the report is true or not, it is their duty to enforce the law and maintain the peace and order.