Cops on alert for CPP anniversary

The police's Special Action Force and all 17 Regional Mobile Force Battalions have been ordered to be on the highest alert in time for the 54th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on 26 December when insurgents traditionally conduct a show of force through armed attacks.

Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., made the announcement during Monday's year-end PNP command conference attended by ranking SAF and RMFB, and other officials of various police units nationwide.

"(All) SAF and 17 RMFBs nationwide will be put on highest alert for any possible tactical engagements and harassments against government forces as the CPP marks its 54th anniversary," he added.

Other highlights of the briefing included the presentation of updates on the security situation, threat assessment, forecast for the Yuletide Season, national crime situation, updates on rape cases, operational accomplishments, Revitalized Kasimbayanan Project, and deployment during Christmas holidays.

"The successful outcome of the major events that unfolded during the year is the result of sheer hard work, careful planning, and preparations by PNP units," Azurin said.

He challenged the PNP to sustain its gains, especially during traditional public activities associated with the Yuletide that include shopping in malls, commercial centers, night markets and holiday destinations.

Azurin also emphasized the outlook for the holidays as crime trends in December are expected to be lower than in previous months, attributed to 85 percent deployment of PNP personnel in major vital installations, mobilization of force multipliers to augment support to local police units in security operations, continuous checkpoints and chokepoints, timely release of infographics on safety tips to avoid being victimized by cyber criminals, arrest of manufacturers of resellers and users of illegal firecrackers and pyro technique devices.

He reminded all commanders to be on the lookout against indiscriminate firing before, during, and after the holidays.

There shall be no mercy for PNP personnel who will be involved in indiscriminate firing, while immediate superiors will be held accountable, too, Azurin said.

He added that there will be no muzzle-taping of PNP personnel's firearms this year because he has full confidence they will not fire their guns during the holiday revelry.