PNP suspends operations vs NPA

The Philippine National Police has ordered all units to halt its operations against the New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte declared in his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday a unilateral ceasefire with the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

READ: Duterte announces unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels

Police Director Benjamin Magalong, PNP’s deputy chief for operations, issued a memorandum addressed to all regional and provincial police offices and national support units on Wednesday morning.

“A Suspension of Offensive Police Operations against the (CPP/NPA/National Democratic Front) is hereby declared nationwide effective immediately,” the memorandum read.

“All units shall refrain from initiating tactical police operations against the CPP/NPA/NDF,” it added.

Magalong, however, clarified that the suspension of police operations does not cover normal law enforcement operations including the service of warrant of arrest, search warrant, anti-criminality patrols and establishment of checkpoints.

The PNP also suspended the test missions of Special Action Force against the communist rebels.

But the police will continue to conduct the following “proactive defense measures” including:

• Security patrols to protect all PNP camps, stations, vital government and private installations and civilian communities.

• Fortification and strengthening of defensive positions with focus on the survivability and protection of our PNP personnel. Rehearsal of Camp defense plans shall be done by all units at least once during the SOPO period.

• Route security to ensure safe passage of PNP convoys, peaceful and unhampered social, political and economic activities of the people, and the delivery of government services.

• Normal information, documentation and dissemination effort and liaising activities with the AFP and local agencies in the area; and

• Information drives to all troops on the strategic considerations and advantage of this SOPO

READ: Joma welcomes Duterte announcement of unilateral ceasefire