Elite PNP forces to be deployed in 'troubled' provinces

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy a company of its elite force in each of the "troubled" provinces where President Duterte wanted to have additional government troops.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Benigno Durana said a company of Special Action Force (SAF), composed of about 100 men will augment the forces and whatever the military would deploy in the provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and the six provinces of the Bicol region.

“That is initially our response, in compliance with Memorandum Order (32) which we fully supported as part of the security sector of the government,” said Durana in an interview over dwIZ.

The number of reinforcements will still depend on the result of the threat assessment the police and military will make next

week.

The meeting, according to Durana, will also help establish the coordination on the response to security threats in the provinces mentioned in Memorandum Order 32 that was recently signed by the President.

Last week, Duterte signed the order which called for troop augmentations in Bicol, Negros Island, and Samar to quell what he described as lawless violence and acts of terror.

Critics questioned both the timing and the motive of the deployment, noting that Negros and Bicol are known to be bailiwicks of the opposition in the 2016 presidential elections and could retain such status for the midterm elections next year.

The PNP has been continuously monitoring the areas that would be included in the list of the election hotspots. Based on the initial assessment, the four areas cited in the memorandum order could be included.

“There are indications that they may be included in the final list because the final list will still be coordinated with the Comelec (Commission on Elections) which is the lead agency during elections together with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” the order noted.

Durana, however, said Memorandum 32 is not only about elections but also about ensuring that the government could address security issues in the areas mentioned amid the possible threat from communist rebels.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) celebrates its founding anniversary every December 26. The anniversary is usually marked with attacks on government forces.

Samar, Negros and Bicol have been described as among the areas where communist rebels operate. Others include Southern Tagalog and parts of Eastern Visayas.

“This MO is not only about election. If we remember, every December 26 is the celebration of the CPP anniversary. They celebrate their anniversary by sowing terror and violence in our country with the vain hope actually of projecting strength although their strength is already diminishing and their attempt to twist the arm of the President to engage them once again failed,” said Durana.

He said among the incidents that prompted the release of the memorandum order included the attack of suspected NPA rebels at the Lapinig Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar last August 10 and the massacre of nine farmers at a sugar plantation in Sagay, Negros Oriental last October 20; the ambush of soldiers providing assistance to typhoon-hit victims in Northern Samar; and the attack on the 63rd Infantry Battalion in Matuguinao, Northern Samar last October 8 that killed former San Jose de Bauan town Mayor Ananias Rebato; the burning of heavy equipment in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental and killing of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental town police chief, Superintendent Arnel Arpon in July 2017.

Bicol police director Chief Supt. Abner Escobal welcomed the implementation of Memorandum Order 32, saying it further strengthens the continuing campaign against criminality in the region.

“The additional troops will boost the PNP’s campaign against criminality and lawless elements at the same time to prevent the occurrence of atrocities in the region,” said Escobal.

“This will also help our preparation for the 2019 midterm elections’ security coverage. The public is assured that the PNP shall as it has always been, remain firmly committed to the implementation of our laws with the highest regard for human rights,” he added.

Martial law extension Durana also revealed that the PNP's position on the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao will likely be discussed in the JPSCC meeting with the AFP.

"I have no copy of the agenda which we will discuss during the meeting but most likely, it will be tackled since the extension of martial law in Mindanao is nearing its end so we will have to decide what steps to do," he said.

In Memorandum Order 32, Duterte cited Proclamation No. 55 that declared a state of national emergency in Mindanao, until it was eventually placed under martial law when Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired terror groups attacked Marawi City in May 2017.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde has openly expressed his support for the extension of martial law in Mindanao especially with the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.

Martial Law platform

The deployment of more soldiers and police in the Bicol region is welcome, but the government should make clear the parameters against lawless violence, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Sunday.

“Wala tayong objection sa pagaugment, very welcome ‘yun na balita na i-augment ‘yung ating kapulisan ng mga miyembro ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), pero marami kasing distrust,” she said on her weekly radio show, “BISErbisyong Leni.” (I don’t have objection to the augmentation, it’s very welcome but there is distrust.)

“The objective is not clear. Many people are afraid of the term lawless violence because it could be used as a platform for martial law declaration,” she said. (With a report from Raymund F. Antonio)