Manhunt on vs. NPA rebels in police outpost attack

By Florence F. Hibionada

Extensive police and military operation continue in search of the communist terrorists responsible for the attack of a police detachment in Passi City last Friday.

With a two-minute gunfire that ensued between the rebels identified with the local leadership of the New People's Army in the area and government forces, recovered in the scene was over twenty spent shells of M16 armalite rifle.  No one was reported to have been injured in the side of the government as the rebels made good of their fast escape in the hinterland barangays of Passi City and nearby Dumarao, Capiz.

“Our men immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation after the attack,” P/Supt. Cornelio Defensor, Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) Deputy Police Director said in a radio interview while adding that the alertness of the volunteer barangay tanods and local cops prevented a 'full-blown' attack.

The incident occurred early Friday morning in Barangay Aglalana of said component city with principal target, the PNP Community Detachment in the area.
 
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Supt. Defensor said augmentation force arrived within minutes of the police assistance made headed by P/Chief Inspector Emilio Aviador, Passi City Police Office Chief.
 
The Community Detachment has since been equipped with communication facilities with the locals there and barangay tanods fully briefed on the emergency responses similar to what occurred. 

The establishment of the detachment was pushed in order to provide immediate police action on peace and order concerns in Barangay Aglalana and adjoining barangays.  The area is known to be among the places normally 'visited' by the remnants of the NPA communist rebels.

Reconnaissance efforts was also made at sundown where more recoveries are believed to have been made.  No further details were provided on the subject.

Intelligence sources reached by The News Today said cops in the area known to be “strongholds” of the rebels have been placed on full alert.  Friday's attack validated longtime tips from outside sources and civilian informants of the continuing destabilization efforts of the communist NPAs even as legal fronts work double time to effect similar plan in urban areas.

The insurgency remain a threat here though top cops and government authorities downplay the strength of the group particularly in the dwindling community support and growing discontent on the group's harassment in the barangays.