Gov't forces on high alert for retaliatory attacks

GENERAL SANTOS CITY--Army and police units here and the neighboring areas have been placed on heightened alert after President Rodrigo R. Duterte formally declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorist groups.

Col. Roberto Ancan, commanding officer of the Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said they alerted all their operating units to brace for possible retaliatory attacks as a result of the declaration.

But Col. Ancan assured that they are prepared for any attack  and have been closely monitoring the movements of NPA rebels within their area of responsibility.

The 1002nd Brigade has operational jurisdiction over this city and parts of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.

The city is considered as under the operational jurisdiction of the NPA’s guerilla front 73, which is mainly based in South Cotabato province. Other nearby units are the Front 71 in nearby Davao Occidental and Front 72 in Makilala, North Cotabato and Malungon, Sarangani areas.

Ancan said it is only proper to classify the NPA as a terrorist organization due to the rash of "terrorist activities" such as the harassment of local communities, burning of vehicles and heavy equipment, attacks and cases of killings.

Chief Insp. Aldrin Gonzales, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-12, said the President's proclamation was necessary and reasonable. (PNA)