AFP on guard as Reds mark 40th 'terrorism' anniv
Western Visayas government forces go on "Red Alert" status as remaining ragtag communist terrorist rebels mark Saturday its 40th anniversary.
Calling it a "terrorism anniversary," the full alert as now confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here is a response to the directive issued by Malacañang through Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
In a news statement, Captain Lowen Gil Marquez said the "Red Alert" in the region is a preparation "for any more violent attacks to be initiated by the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army – National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) and its NPA bandits…"
The NPA is the communist party's armed wing.
"It is always better to be prepared against any threat of terrorism. As the old saying goes, "prevention is better than cure." It is a reality that the terrorist CPP/NPA/NDF will never hesitate to bring wholesale violence in Region 6 and to the whole country as well," Captain Marquez added. "The Red Alert status of the AFP is a pre-emptive measure against CPP/NPA/NDF schemes to sow extra-ordinary terror, chaos and destruction."
The AFP further said that primary concern of the government is ensure the safety of the masses particularly those in hinterland villages.
As such, continued vigilance and cooperation of the community is urged stressing the campaign against terrorism is "our shared responsibility."
"Let us not allow the threat of terrorism to affect our daily lives for that's exactly what these terrorists want to do," Captain Marquez ended.
Marquez is commanding officer of the AFP's 3rd Civil Relations Group.