Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy has called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to remain vigilant as they perform their law enforcement functions despite the government’s declaration of a holiday ceasefire with the New People’s Army.
“We welcome President Duterte’s ceasefire declaration because this would give policemen and their families greater peace of mind during the holiday season. However, the PNP should never let their guards down for their own safety,” says Cuy.
DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Eduardo M. Año says “The PNP should not drop its guard and they must stay vigilant especially during the celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ 49th founding anniversary on December 26.”
On Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced that President Duterte has ordered a unilateral suspension of combat operations against the rebels from December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018.
The PNP has already ordered all units, stations, and offices to adhere to the President’s directive and immediately suspend their operations against the communists.
Another huge task
Cuy says that the PNP still has another task to face even in the midst of the Christmas holidays: ensuring that the public follows the advisories of local authorities in the light of Typhoon Vinta’s onslaught in Mindanao region.
“The public should not only be forewarned of the possible impact of Typhoon Vinta but they should likewise obey local government officials when there is a need for preemptive evacuation. And the PNP has a big role to play in this aspect,” he says.
He says the PNP should work hand in hand with the local government units (LGUs) as well as with other attached agencies of the government before, during and after Vinta hits Philippine shores.
“Our police force should be up to the task, along with our attached agency, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as they maintain being on high alert to provide humanitarian or emergency assistance to the victims of the typhoon,” Cuy says.
As of the latest weather bulletin, “Vinta” has intensified into a tropical storm and is expected to hit land over the Caraga-Davao region between Thursday evening and Friday morning.
