PGEN. Guillermo Eleazar, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, alerted all units against the New People’s Army (NPA) following its attacks in Bicol and Quezon.
In a statement Eleazar said the incidents in Masbate City, Legazpi City and Buenavista town in Quezon were “clear indications” that an order was issued to the NPA to “step up their attacks to project strength” amid the series of mass surrenders by communist rebels and their supporters.
“I have already ordered all police units and our personnel to be alert on possible NPA attacks in their respective AORs (Areas of Responsibility). I also expect police commanders to intensify the monitoring and intelligence-gathering against this communist armed group,” said Eleazar.
In Masbate City, a college football player and his uncle died in a roadside bombing and subsequent gun attack allegedly by the NPA. In Legazpi City, four civilians were injured when communist rebels ambushed a group of policemen who responded to the burning of a telecom cell site.
In Buenavista, Quezon, a militiaman was killed while another was injured when communist rebels ambushed a group of government troops who were on their way back from a gift-giving activity.
Eleazar said that part of his instruction was to ensure that the police station defense plan has been activated, especially in areas where the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) are known to operate.Eleazar added that chiefs of police should also coordinate with the local military forces in their areas for augmentation of personnel.