ILOILO City – An estimated 15 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) tried to attack the police station of San Remigio, Antique on March 31, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
From a distance of between 200 meters to 300 meters, they started firing shots around 9:30 p.m. but failed to even get near the police station, said Brigadier General John Bulalacao, regional police director.
The rebels eventually withdrew into the mountains, said Bulalacao.
“I directed all police chiefs, especially those in areas threatened by or infiltrated by the NPA, to be alert always. Policemen should always carry long firearms not leave their stations unmanned,” said Bulalacao.
Police stations were further told to gather information about the rebels’ whereabouts and plans.
“We are ready to engage them. We have high-powered firearms,” said Bulalacao.
The NPA marked its 50th anniversary just this March 29. It usually celebrates the day with offensives against government troops and vital government installations.
“The San Remigio incident might be part of their anniversary celebration,” said Bulalacao.
In the days leading to March 29, rebels and Philippine Army troops figured in four clashes – in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on March 24; Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20; Barangay Osorio 1, San Remigio, Antique on March 19; and Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17.
On June 18, 2017 rebels raided the police station of Maasin, Iloilo. The daring, broad daylight caper was swift. Within 15 minutes beginning around 10:30 a.m., the rebels shanghaied M16 rifles, Glock .9mm pistols, handheld radios and their base, laptops, mobile phones, and jewelry.
The rebels also used the police station’s patrol car to flee./PN
