PRO-10 heightens measures against NPA raids, harassment, and criminal activities

Monday 7th of May 2012

By PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 7 -- On the reports that Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front initiated attacks in the province of Bukidnon, Butuan City, and other areas of the country, the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) will implement tighter security measures to prevent similar incidents.

P/CSupt. Jufel C. Adriatico, PRO-10 Regional Director, instructed his senior staff officers to issue directives to all police directors and commanders on the ground to conduct active and passive target hardening measures. The number of police checkpoints shall be increased to restrict these leftist units from becoming more flexible in pursuing their plans.

Last April 23, communist rebels raided a security agency in Butuan City and carted away high power firearms consisting of AK-47 and M-14 rifles, automatic shotguns, and pistols. The rebels posed as National Bureau Investigation (NBI) agents and presented search warrants to the guards on duty.

Last May 1, a landmine exploded in Brgy. Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon hitting a 6x6 truck belonging to 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army while traveling to Malaybalay City. An exchange of gunfire ensued between the elements and government forces.

Scene of the Crime Operatives team from the Philippine National Police Regional Crime Laboratory recovered empty shells of AK-47 rifles and detonating devices.

Across the nation, NPA attacks reported that 11 soldiers died in Tinoc town, Ifugao, one soldier in Compostela Valley, and more in Labo town, Camarines Norte.

PCSupt. Adriatico ordered that there should be no surprise inspections to all police units and offices. Friendly forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, NBI, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other law enforcement agencies visiting a particular police station or maneuver public safety unit must coordinate their movement in advance to avoid a misencounter. Advance security control points shall be established and revived to monitor movement from the government or rebel forces.

As to the reported criminal activities in the region where suspects use motorcycles as their means of escape, PCSupt. Adriatico ordered the organization of Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives. At least two MASCO teams must be established in every police station until May 30, and will be doubled before June 30.

Five teams headed by senior police officers will inspect the implementation of PRO-10’s tightened security measures in Cagayan de Oro City, being a show window in the entire Northern Mindanao. They will inspect all established police checkpoints of Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, including its compliance to the implementation of seatbelt and helmet laws.

PCSupt. Adriatico added that police officers must be exemplars to the implementation of these life-saving laws. Police violators will be issued delinquency reports and further face administrative charges. (PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga/PRO/PIA-10)