PNP to be ‘on the offensive’ after ceasefire with Reds lapses

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be “on the offensive” against communist rebels once the “unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire” between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New Peoples’ Army (NPA) lapsed on Wednesday.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa issued the directive Tuesday, the last day of effectivity of the ceasefire, which started on Dec. 23 last year.

“Ang directive ko ngayon is offensive. Huwag tayo pauna. Puntahan natin sila. Huwag natin pabayaan silang pumunta sa atin,” Gamboa said in a press conference.

He noted that during the ceasefire, the CPP-NPA committed two violations of the holiday truce just hours after the police and the military called off offensive operations.

Suspected communist guerrillas ambushed policemen and soldiers in separate attacks in Iloilo and Camarines Norte provinces.

Two policemen were reportedly wounded and one soldier was killed and six others injured in the attacks.

Gamboa said the PNP will let the top executives to decide on what to do with the violations.