By Mary Judaline Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) has tightened security protocols following the death of 19 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members in Toboso, Negros Occidental, an official said Wednesday.
NOrPPO spokesperson Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar said during a virtual press conference that police personnel have been advised to increase their vigilance to protect themselves and their stations against possible retaliatory activities by the NPA against law enforcement units.
“Actually, we have what we call a camp defense drill, with simulation exercises done every day to determine the preparedness of the police personnel in any given situation,” Polinar said.
He noted that the new police stations are designed to provide a defensive stance, with second floors or rooftops serving as elevated observation and vantage points.
The police are also equipped with assault firearms and ammunition that can be utilized in case of attack by unlawful groups or individuals, he added.
Police and military authorities are anticipating atrocities to be carried out by the “remnants” of the dismantled NPA guerrilla fronts in Negros Island following the April 19 series of encounters between the insurgents and the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Toboso.
Past attacks against police personnel include the killing of the police chief and his men in Guihulngan City, the murder of intelligence operatives in Ayungon, and the attack on the La Libertad town police station.
Polinar said the NOrPPO is also in constant communication and collaboration with their Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts, through the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee and the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center.
He said police personnel are closely monitoring the borders between the two Negros provinces as the rebels are highly mobile and cross boundaries with ease. (PNA)
