PNP to stay on ‘alert’ despite holiday ceasefire with CPP-NPA

Despite the suspension of offensive police operations (SOPO) against the communist New People’s Army during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Saturday ordered police units to remain on high alert.

"The National Headquarters alerted all PNP units to remain vigilant and to maintain a high state of operational readiness to respond to hostile actions by domestic threat groups, especially on December 26 when the local communist movement is known to stage high-profile hostilities to highlight the founding anniversary of the CPP" the PNP commander said.

"Specifically, PNP units will be on alert for possible movement of armed NPA members who will take advantage of the SOPO to reposition and regroup; and to engage in extortion and recruitment activities," it added.

The PNP also emphasized that the suspension of offensive police operations did not cover normal law enforcement operations.

Nevertheless, the SOPO would "allow police maneuver units, as well as their adversaries from the ranks of the CPP/NPA to come home to their families to enjoy the holidays."

The Department of National Defense officially declared the unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a suspension of combat operations against New People's Army combatants.

The declaration takes effect at 6 p.m. of December 23 until 6 p.m. of December 26; and from 6 p.m. of December 30 until 6 p.m. of January 2. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News