NPA's 43rd anniversary AFP, PNP intensify efforts, strengthens coordination

CEBU, Philippines - As the New People’s Army celebrated their 43rd founding anniversary yesterday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the Philippine National Police also heightened security measures against possible rebel attacks.

The AFP-Central Command directed their line units to conduct an evaluation of the capability of the NPA in the entire Central Visayas.

Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, Central Command spokesperson, said they also directed combat operations to assist the PNP in their security measures.

Tampus said they are monitoring the possible use of land mines and improvised devices during attacks. They are also checking the use of snipers and the renting of vans from civilians as their means of transportation.

He added that they considered vulnerable those who are incapable of defending themselves during attacks.

They are considering sugarcane plantations as the most likely targets.

“Rebels will also pursue extortion efforts due to a need of funds for their ammunitions,” Tampus said.

But even as they prepare for the possibility, Tampus said the NPA in Negros are both losing in strength and in number.

Tampus said they alerted all their units throughout the region, especially in Negros, to be on alert for possible offensives from the communist rebel group. This was despite reports they received from locals that the number of rebels in Negros are already dwindling.

Tampus said this is a positive result of the intensified resentment of the Local Government Units against rebel activities in their localities for the sake of peace and order.

“They (NPA) can no longer recruit men. They can no longer get the barangay, how much more the municipalities? ” Tampus said.

Because of this development, aside from their plans to “reclaim” Cebu and Bohol, the NPA is also planning to expand their territory to Leyte and Samar, he added.

Tampus said Central Command also noted the NPA’s new tactic of using landmines in their possible plans for offensives in the region which the Armed Forces are already preparing.

Earlier this month, the AFP has recovered several home-made landmines in Samar.

Tampus said Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Central Command chief, have expressed his appreciation for the active coordination of the local police headed by Police Regional Office Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. in their counter insurgency operations.

“We are in close coordination with the military. Nevertheless we are prepared for any eventualities. We have given warnings to our troops to be prepared,” Garbo said, in a separate interview.  (FREEMAN)