PNP suspends anti-NPA operations

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday declared the suspension of operations against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in line with the observance of the holiday season.

PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said the suspension of offensive operations (SOPO) is from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, 2016.

“As part of the yearly tradition, the SOPO is observed and respected by all units and personnel of the PNP that restrains the troops from initiating offensive police operations against the NPA,” Marquez said.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said SOPO, however, does not cover normal law enforcement operations, including the serving of warrants of arrest.

“Recognizing the inherent right to self-defense, all units still remain on guard and maintain a high state of operational readiness to respond to any hostile actions,” Mayor said.

The PNP has to maintain extra precautionary and preemptive measures to avoid NPA attacks on vital installations and police stations.

“So as not to jeopardize the spirit of the presidential directive, however, all police units must exercise caution and restraint in the conduct of movements and activities which may be viewed as provocative acts against the NPA,” Marquez added.

The PNP will continue to conduct active defensive measures such as security patrols to protect all PNP camps, stations, vital installations and civilian communities; routine security and strengthening of defensive positions.

On Dec. 15, the communist rebels declared a 12-day unilateral ceasefire.

Before the ceasefire declaration, the NPA rebels ambushed a convoy of soldiers in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

A soldier was killed while the troops were delivering relief supplies to a remote village during a typhoon.

The NPA rebels also attacked an Army outpost in Surigao del Sur.

Even during the declaration of ceasefire by the rebels, a military outpost in Surigao del Sur was attacked yesterday.

No casualty was reported after the troops from the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Bitaugan in San Miguel town, managed to repulse the attackers, said to be NPA rebels.

The NPA is celebrating its founding anniversary tomorrow and it has been the tradition to highlight the celebration by staging attacks.

Military spokesman Col. Noel Detoyato said the troops will maintain their defensive posture during the 47th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front celebration. – With Jaime Laude, Ben Serrano