ILOILO City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now on high alert ahead of the 55th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said they have increased the number of soldiers deployed in the field to prevent threat of violence in rural areas as their [CPP] usual atrocities to commemorate their anniversary.
“We have enough men in the field to monitor the movements of the terrorists and to protect the equipment of the construction firms kasi usual nila ginagawa nagsusunog ng mga construction equipment,” Javines said.
The 3ID also reminds construction firms to transfer their equipment to safe areas.
Javines added that the Army and the Philippine National Police are imposing tight security measures especially in areas with active presence of rebels.
“The threat of violence is most significant in New People’s Army (NPA) strongholds in rural areas and various NPA fronts may attempt to mark the anniversary with attacks on security forces, mines, telecommunication facilities, plantations, and other agro-industrial sites. So dapat nakahanda na ang ating mga sundalo ahead of Dec. 26 for preemptive measures,” Javines said.
Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, reiterated his appeal to the rebels to surrender and celebrate Christmas with their families and relatives.
“This is the best time for them to surrender and spend Christmas with their family. Let us celebrate holiday season a peaceful one,” Sison added./PN
