Warnings of NPA attack tagged hoax in Samar, but people told to remain vigilant
TACLOBAN CITY—Police and military in Eastern Visayas tagged as a hoax text messages circulating that warned of attacks by New People’s Army on police stations and businesses in Samar province.
Capt. Reynaldo Aragones, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar province, said the military was in control and in place to protect the people.
He, however, said soldiers were not dismissing the information outright and were now investigating.
Last week, a text message circulated saying police stations and business establishments in Samar would be attacked by the NPA.
Col. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson of the Eastern Visayas police, dismissed the rumor but asked people to be vigilant.
Rentuaya said police in the region had been on high alert since Aug. 10 when a police station was attacked by rebels in Lapinig town, Northern Samar province.
No one was hurt in the raid by about 100 rebel members.
Last Nov. 11, at least 50 members of NPA also clashed with soldiers in Borongan City, Eastern Samar province that led to the killing of six soldiers and a suspected rebel.
The attacks were believed related to the 51st anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.
President Rodrigo Duterte had cut negotiations with the rebels and vowed to put an end to the insurgency by 2022, the year he steps down from office.
