PNP on high alert for possible attacks by Reds

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is on high alert for any possible attacks by communist rebels in response to the third extension of martial law in Mindanao.
“Philippine National Police maneuver forces have been put on high alert mode for any possible tactical engagement with CPP/NPA terrorist elements that have been ordered to escalate attacks on government and prized civilian targets,” PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde in a statement late Thursday.
Mr. Albayalde said strike forces were already deployed to 10 provinces in Eastern Visayas, Negros Island, and Bicol region.
“The latest order of Joma Sison of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA) exposed anew the culture of lies, deception and violence of the aging underground movement in its 50-year rebellion to wrest power from government,” said Mr. Albayalde.
The PNP chief added that the communist rebels will use the extension of martial law in Mindanao as an excuse for “further hostilities against the government.”
“The CPP/NPA has found a convenient excuse in the Congressional approval of the martial law extension in Mindanao as reason to stage further hostilities against government and civilian targets even as it earlier declared a farce 5-day Yuletide ceasefire to trick government into reciprocating the CPP/NPA sham gesture of goodwill,” stated Mr. Albayalde.
Mr. Albayalde also said the government is open to welcome rebels who want to surrender. — V.A.C. Ferreras