Gamboa to Eastern Samar cops: Defend police stations vs NPA rebels

MANILA, Philippines — Police forces in Eastern Samar should exert all efforts to defend their police stations and if possible must go offensive against communist forces, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said Wednesday.

“Continuous naman yung aming warning sa kanila [We always warn our police officers to defend] to defend vital installations especially police stations but if possible also go offensive,” Gamboa told the media in an ambush interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City when asked about PNP’s strategy after six soldiers were killed after clashing with rebels in Eastern Samar.

“Huwag na natin antayin sila pumunta sa atin, tayo ang pumunta sa kanila para tingnan natin kung gaano sila kalakas [Don’t wait for them to come to us, we should attack them directly and study their strengths,” he added.

Gamboa also noted that rebel groups are resorting to “terrorism” to show their presence in these areas.

READ: 6 soldiers dead, 20 wounded in Eastern Samar clash