PNP warns NPA may attack soon

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP), Monday alerted its units nationwide to brace for possible attacks by communist rebels ahead of the 42nd anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on March 29.

PNP Director General Raul Bacalzo also directed the commands under him to intensify patrols around “soft targets” such as police detachments in far-flung areas.

At the same time, Bacalzo commended the personnel of the Panabo City police office in Davao del Norte for repelling a group of insurgents who tried to overrun the police station on Saturday.

However, a policeman identified as PO3 Narciso Pakiwag was killed in the attack believed to have been carried out by the NPA rebels led by Leoncio “Kumander Parago” Pitao.

“We grieve the loss of PO3 Pakiwag who offered the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty along with his fellow wounded police officers,” Bacalzo said.

A yet to be identified NPA rebel was also killed in the pursuit operations conducted by the Army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade.

Director Leocadio Santiago Jr., PNP operations chief, reminded police units “to be alert and take extra precautions for possible atrocities that may be carried out by the NPA.”

“The NPA founding anniversary is usually characterized by increased atrocities and attacks directed against government forces and soft targets,” Santiago said.