MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is bracing for possible major attacks by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) against state forces ahead of its 51st founding anniversary on December 26.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Monday that the PNP is ready to counter possible offensives by the New People’s Army, CPP’s armed wing. In the past, the group had launched major attacks against the police and the military in dates surrounding its founding anniversary.
“Tayo po ay may direktiba sa lahat ng mga police units natin, ang kanilang pagtataas ng alert level so magiging alerto at vigilant nang sa gayon ay hindi malusutan ng pag-atake ang mga police stations,” he said in a press briefing.
(We also have a directive to all police units to increase their alert level so they can be more vigilant against attacks on police stations.)
Banac also said the PNP supports the possible resumption of peace talks with the reds, but added that pending its finalization, arrests against communist leaders with standing warrants will continue unless the court orders otherwise.
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“Kung magkaroon man ng peace talks, sumusuporta ang PNP dito subalit kailangan magkaroon ng abiso din ang ating mga korte patungkol dito sa mga standing warrants of arrest [of communist leaders],” said Banac.
(Should peace talks be resumed, the PNP will support it but courts should also advise the police on what to do with standing warrants of arrest of communist leaders.)
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He said the government’s security cluster is still discussing the possibility of resuming peace talks with the CPP.