Bartolome orders intensified operations in alleged NPA areas

MANILA, Philippines – In the face of attacks by the New People’s Army, the latest was the raid on a police station in Region 9, Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome said the PNP has intensified offensive operations in areas where these rebels may be hiding.

Speaking to reporters at the Camp Crame National Headquarters in Quezon City, Bartolome said that this was discussed in his command conference with regional directors from Regions 6 to 12 last week.

“In the Visayas, we were very particular with the series of incidents involving the New People’s Army. So much, that we agreed among the different regional directors to be on the offensive and not just be impassive and react on situations,” he said, adding that they will concentrate on extortion activities of the group.

He said the PNP would not wait for another station to be attacked, especially since Police Officer 2 Faizal Juhaili, who was taken hostage during a raid by roughly 70 NPA members at Tigbao police station in Zamboanga del Sur last April 9, has not been recovered.

He said police and military would conduct joint operations in certain areas, especially within the vicinity of the police station, to rescue Juhaili, but adding, however, that no proof of life has been received by local authorities.

“We want to get him safe,” Bartolome said.

Also, part of the command conference, Bartolome said, was to strengthen the relationship between the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, saying that the incident in Tibao can be very well avoided “if only we can have closer discussion with the Armed Forces, especially with most of the attacks being done now are made by rebels disguising themselves as members of either security forces.”

It can be recalled that the rebels who raided the Tigbao police station were clad in full military uniforms, where one even introduced himself as an official. “In fact even our policemen rendered their salute only to find out that they were members of the New People’s Army, and the seven or eight long firearms were carted away . . . plus one handgun,” he said.