PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has placed the Special Action Force (SAF) and all 17 Regional Mobile Force Battalions (RMFB) on high alert to prevent attacks by communist rebels ahead of the 54th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Azurin made this announcement during the year-end PNP command conference attended by ranking SAF and RMFB as well as heads and other officials of various police units nationwide at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday afternoon.
"(All) SAF and 17 RMFBs nationwide will be put to highest alert for any possible tactical engagements and harassments against government forces as the CPP marks its 54th anniversary on Dec. 26, 2022," he added.
Other highlights of the briefing included the presentation of updates on the security situation and threat assessment and forecast for the Yuletide Season, national crime situation and updates on rape cases, operational accomplishments, Revitalized Kasimbayanan Project, updates on crime situation, anti-crime efforts and deployment during Christmas holidays.
“The successful outcome of the major events that unfolded during the year is the result of sheer hard work, careful planning and preparation by PNP units," Azurin added.
He also said the challenge for the PNP now is to sustain its gains and prevent criminals from taking advantage of the holiday season when increased economic activities are expected.
He also reminded all commanders to be on the lookout for indiscriminate firing before, during, and after the holidays.
Meanwhile, Azurin said there would be no gun muzzling of PNP personnel's firearms this year, saying he is confident that they would not fire these during the holiday revelry.
However, he said no personnel would be spared if they would engage in indiscriminate firing while their immediate superiors would also be held accountable.
Ranking CPP-NPA leader nabbed in Bulacan
As this developed, the Philippine Army (PA) on Monday said troops from the 70th Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the 7th Infantry Division, along with police personnel, arrested a ranking CPP-New People's Army (NPA) secretary in a joint operation in Barangay Muzon, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on Dec. 8.
Nabbed was CPP-NPA leader identified as Janeth Cruz also known as “Aryang”, “Libay” “Ditsy”, “Laura”, “Frankie”, “Trixie”, “Ali” and “Marbel”.
Cruz was the secretary of the CPP-NPA’s Central Luzon Regional Committee (CLRC), Regional White Area Committee, who is on trial for murder and two counts of attempted murder at the Iba, Zambales Regional Trial Court Branch 71.
PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. lauded the 70th Infantry Battalion and its PNP counterpart for their effort which led to Cruz's capture. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
