By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not declare a Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) against communist rebels nationwide to prevent any atrocities to mark the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the PNP has directed all police regional offices to be on heightened alert against possible hostilities by communist insurgents and local terrorists.
The PNP has also heightened monitoring of crime-prone areas to prevent potential threats.
“Hindi tayo magde-declare ng suspension of police operations dahil history will tell us na kapagka nagde declare ng SOPO and SOMO (Suspension of Offensive Military Operations) ang security forces yun din yung ginagamit na opportunity nung mga CTGs (communist terrorist groups) and even yung mga LTGs (local terrorist groups) para mag initiate ng kanilang mga ambuscades, harassment and retaliatory attacks. So, for purposes of celebration nila nitong Dec. 26 at the whole duration ng holiday season ay wala SOPO (We will not declare a suspension of police operations because history will tell us that when security forces declare SOPO and SOMO, the CTGs and even the LTGs use it as an opportunity to initiate ambuscades, harassment and retaliatory attacks. So, for purposes of their celebration this Dec. 26 and the whole duration of the holiday season there is no SOPO),” Fajardo said.
Fajardo said that every Dec. 26, the PNP is preparing in terms of intensifying the security measures particularly in the isolated and vulnerable stations and far-flung areas to thwart incidents of harassment and ambushes, especially now that they have arrested ranking communist leaders.
“We are anticipating the retaliatory attacks ang gagawin nila sa atin at hindi lang sa PNP pati na rin sa AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) kaya pagtutulungan bantayan ng inyong pambansang pulisya at AFP yung ating mga far-flung situated yung mga police stations (that they will do to us, and not only to the PNP but also to the AFP, so your national police and AFP will work together to guard our far-flung police stations),” she said.
Meanwhile, Fajardo said some 47,000 officers have been deployed nationwide as part of Ligtas Paskuhan until Jan. 6, 2025.
She said the PNP has also canceled the leaves of police officers effective Dec. 15.
Earlier, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil directed all police units to implement comprehensive security measures in coordination with local government units, church officials, and other concerned stakeholders.
Police Assistance Desks (PADs) will be deployed near churches to assist the public, while foot and mobile patrols will be intensified in strategic areas, including public transport terminals, parking areas, and marketplaces.
Police units nationwide are also working closely with local government units, barangay officials, and other law enforcement agencies to respond to any emergencies or untoward incidents. (PNA)
