NPA attacks prompt Cordi PNP chief to up intel gathering

By Redjie Cawis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Police Regional Office – Cordillera chief directed police units in the  region  to strengthen intelligence gathering activities following recent attacks  of the  New People’s Army  on policemen and the army, the latest of which was in Allacapan, Cagayan.

“This is a signal that we cannot be complacent, we need to be alert all the time. Hindi tayo pwede magtiwala sa pronouncement ng mga NPA na hindi nila gagalawin ang mga tropa. (We should not trust the pronouncement of the NPAS that they will not harm our troops),” said regional police director Chief Supt.  Benjamin Magalong.

Eight officers of the Special Action Force were killed while seven others were  wounded  in Allacapan on May 27  when a landmine exploded under their vehicle while on their way for a medical exam, followed by firing from at least a group of about 30 men.

“Nakakalungkot ang balitang ito lalo pa at ung ibang mga nasawi ay mga dati kong kasamahan sa SAF,” said Magalong adding  he personally knew most members of the SAF composed  mostly of Cordillerans and Bicolanos.

Magalong  said  they needed to be two steps ahead of the insurgents so the Cagayan  incident and others in the region particularly in Ifugao and Kalinga  will not be repeated.

Three policemen, including an officer, were killed in an ambush by suspected NPA rebels in Asipulo, Ifugao on April 3 while they were patrolling a barangay.

Another incident occurred in Tabuk City before the elections where a team of policemen and soldiers were escorting the delivery of precinct count optical scan machines in Lubuagan resulting to the death of two soldiers.

Magalong said despite the decreasing number of the rebels, they are still recruiting members in communities while their regional command has ordered the rebels to conduct assault and offense on activities of the Philippine National Police or Armed Forces of the Philippines even if these were non-tactical and offensive moves.