Lawmen alert as ceasefire ends

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region were told to be extra vigilant and conduct proactive measures to preempt possible attacks from the New People's Army (NPA) following the lapse of the holiday ceasefire on January 2, 2004 .

"The ceasefire declared by the New People's Army (NPA) ended January 2 and definitely they will be starting their offensive operation," stressed Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division public information officer Maj. Lyndon Sollesta.

"We would like to remind our troops that the three-day gap from January 3-6, when the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] Suspension of Military Operation (SOMO) would end, might be taken advantage by the NPA to launch tactical offensive against AFP, PNP and other paramilitary forces in the area," Sollesta pointed out.

Sollesta cited there is a "reminder to AFP unit commanders, including PNP station commanders to be extra vigilant and conduct proactive measures to preempt possible NPA violent activity".

To note, the PNP and AFP were ordered to enforce an "active defense" while there was no conduct of combat operation in accordance to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire in line with the holiday season.

Earlier, Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director Chief Supt. George L. Aliño pointed out that authorities would continue to be vigilant and alert. "In case of attack, we have no other course of action but to defend," he said.