Gov’t gears for Maoist attacks during holidays
THE government of President Rodrigo R. Duterte will tighten security in the metro after receiving intelligence information that Maoist rebels have activated their assassination arm to target state officials during the holidays.
In a statement, National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. said he had received reports that the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing New People’s Army have operationalized their so-called special partisan units to conduct assassination and terrorist activities in urban areas.
Earlier this month, Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año said a cease-fire with Maoist rebels was unlikely to happen this holiday season.
On Sunday, the military and Defense department said they would tighten security against communist rebels, who remained a public threat. The military has said it won’t recommend a cease-fire.
“The communist-terrorist group has issued an order launching operations to assassinate people who do not submit to their will as they mark their 51st year of existence and terrorism on Dec. 26,” Mr. Esperon said.
“Our law enforcement and security forces have been advised to take appropriate countermeasures against this sinister threat to general peace and order,” he added.
This comes after a cop and two civilians were killed in an ambush by suspected Maoist rebels in Borongan, Eastern Samar on Friday. Fifteen others were hurt, including a one-year-old child.
“Because of the success of the government’s programs to counter the communist-terrorist groups, they are growing more desperate to stem the tide and cling to whatever dwindling influence they have left,” Mr. Esperon said.
“It is incumbent upon all Filipinos to unite and ensure the safety of our loved ones and communities, especially this Christmas and as we welcome the New Year,” he added.
Mr. Esperon advised the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the authorities. The Communist Party had yet to respond to the national security adviser’s statement.
Mr. Duterte on Dec. 6 said he would send an agent to talk to Maoist leader Jose Maria C. Sison in the Netherlands in a bid to resume peace talks.
He said he would send Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, who led the government panel on peace talks with Maoist rebels. The panel was dissolved in March.
Mr. Esperon is the vice chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. — Gillian M. Cortez
