ARMY ON ALERT AHEAD OF CPP ANNIVERSARY

THE Philippine Army is now on an alert status as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) prepares to mark its 56th founding anniversary on December 26.

The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army has intensified its monitoring efforts and troop readiness in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga regions.

4ID’s public affairs chief Lt. Col. Francisco Garello Jr. on Wednesday said that while no guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA) remain in the two regions, troops are on high alert for any potential activity during the anniversary period.

“We have intensified our monitoring, and we are conducting focused military operations to ensure safety and security during the Yuletide celebrations,” Garello said.

The NPA is the armed wing of the CPP while the National Democratic Front of the Philippines serves as its political arm.

According to Garello, the remaining NPA forces in the 4ID’s jurisdiction are now  “remnants in survival mode.”

He said the NPA remnants are always on the run as more troops were deployed to track them down.

Garello said the division’s brigades, battalions, and special forces remain committed to aggressive operations against the remaining rebels.