CPP issued ceasefire during Christmas, New Year celebs
TACLOBAN CITY-The entire police force in the region are in alert for any possible attack coming from the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army(NPA).
The CPP has just celebrated its 50th founding anniversary on December 26 as it vows to continue to ‘wage revolutionary struggle in all forms and in all venues to put forward the national and democratic interests of the people.’
Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos, police regional director, said that while the country is on the jovial mood due to the New Year’s celebration, they remain vigilant to any possible hostility to be staged by the NPA members.
And as part of their security measure, they have ‘fortified’ all police stations across the region and in coordination with the 8th Infantry Division.
“What we did is to fortify the security of our police stations and mobile force by having 2/3rd of our manpower. So only 1/3rd were given their conditional Christmas break,” Carlos said.
“And we also coordinated with the Army who were moving in the hinterlands. We are keeping the centers free (from possible hostility),” the police regional director said.
Police stations and Army detachments have often been attacked by NPA members.
Last August 10, the rebels attacked the police station in Lapinig, Northern Samar and carted away several firearms.
On November 18, a detachment of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in San Jorge, Samar was attacked by about 50 NPA members which resulted to the death of a Cafgu member and wounded another.
Chief Supt. Carlos said that he was glad that there was no hostility that happened during the anniversary of the CPP on Dec.26.
“I would like to congratulate (our officers) for keeping our area, Eastern Visayas, that no major incident happened,” he said.
The CPP had earlier declared a unilateral ceasefire which started on Dec.24 to Dec.26 and Dec.31 until January 1.
Meanwhile, Carlos urged those who are still with the armed movement to surrender and return to the folds of the law.
“Masaya dito sa baba,” he said.
BY: JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA
