PNP looking into stalled peace talks as motive in NPA raid of police station

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde. INQ FILE PHOTO/ JAM STA ROSA

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said that investigators are looking into the delayed peace negotiations as a motive for the raid, allegedly by communist groups, at the Lapinig Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar.

“Isa rin namang tinitingnan natin ‘yong pagba-bog down ng peace negotiations dito,” Albayalde told reporters on Monday.

(One of the things we are looking into is the bogged down peace negotiations.)

“That’s why we’ve been informing or reminding our troops on the ground, lahat, lalong-lalo na ‘yong may mga critical areas or mga tinatawag natin na (everyone, especially those who are in critical areas or who are in) infested area to be on their toes always,” he added.

Reports said that about a hundred members of the New People’s Army attacked the said station on Friday.  Manned by just four policemen, NPA forces overpowered and ransacked the station, taking handguns and laptops.

Initial investigation said that the attack was in retaliation after suspected NPA leader Marietta Bartolo was arrested previously.  Two cops were left wounded after the incident.

READ: NPA attack in Samar leaves 2 cops wounded

On the same day, Albayalde sacked the whole municipal police station, including Provincial Mobile Force Company Chief Juan Byron Leogo, and Northern Samar Provincial Director Senior Supt. Romeo Campomanes.

READ: Northern Samar cops sacked after suspected NPA rebels raid police station

Peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Philippine government (GRP) have been stalled as of now, after parties cannot agree on the venue of the negotiations, and the conditions that both sides have laid before proceeding to the discussions. /je

READ: 21 solons sign resolution calling for resumption of peace talks