Government forces have fortified their positions to repulse any attacks by the communist New People’s Army, which celebrates its 50th founding anniversary today, an official said Tuesday.
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Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Noel Detoyato said government troops were ready to secure any community against any attacks by the New People’s Army, the CPP’s military arm.
He made the statement even as Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the CPP had so far made no threats on the eve of its 50th founding anniversary.
But he said government troops remained on alert and ready to repulse any attacks.
The CPP announced a unilateral ceasefire in time for the holidays and for the celebration of its anniversary on Dec. 26.
And following the communists’ raid in Tubigan, Agusan del Sur, last week that resulted in the kidnapping of 12 soldiers, CPP chairman Jose Maria Sison ordered the NPA to escalate its attacks during the Christmas season.
As a result, Detoyato advised Filipinos to remain vigilant.
“As far as we peace-loving Filipinos are concerned, the CPP-NPA has nothing to celebrate and no achievement to be proud of,” Detoyato said.
Three days before the CCP’s anniversary, party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe was shot dead by still unidentified men in Daraga, Albay, an incident that the government blamed on the communists.
The authorities have also blamed the NPA for the killing of dozens of policemen, soldiers and even village officials in attacks in the aftermath of President Rodrigo Duterte’s abrogation of the peace talks.
Philippine Army spokesman Louie Villanueva said all field units were enforcing stricter security measures to thwart any attacks by the communists.
“The Philippine Army along with its entire operational and tactical units have already stepped up its security measures,” Villaueva said.
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