NPA SHOWS NEW TACTIC

Last December 20, 2009, the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked the police on duty at the San Narciso Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Quezon province. The rebels deceitfully disguised themselves as members of the media and as military personnel to gain easy access inside the police station. Despite having no casualties in the incident, the NPAs were able to cart away fourteen different kinds of firearms, ammunitions, laptop, cell phones, camouflage uniforms and a huge amount of personal cash of police personnel. Due to the incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) placed the country on heightened alert to ensure operational readiness and alertness in responding for other possible threats by the NPA rebels considering that the CPP is set to commemorate its founding anniversary on December 26, 2009.

Due to the rebels’ traitorous attack in Quezon, several quarters of our society are now questioning the purpose behind the group’s existence given that their action clearly falls under mere banditry and not part of any ideology. Further, the incident only proves that the rebels can do beyond what we expect from them and use the media profession as a ruse to stage a robbery. Aside from extortions, harassments and other forms of money-making and arm struggle, members of the NPA is now trying to expand their reach by doing other activities such as stealing from other people. Indeed, the incident is a direct criminal act wherein they did not just get hold of the high powered firearms but also forcefully took the personal belongings of the policemen. The rebels have been portraying themselves as the protector of the masses yet they were the ones who do the crime. Is this the kind of people suited to call themselves as protectors?

If we put some historical perspective into the picture, the rebels have been doing this every year especially days or weeks before the celebration of the CPP founding anniversary. What do they get from doing such aggressive actions? For one, they probably just want to show Jose Maria Sison, CPP ring leader, how strong and powerful the NPAs are and that they should get the choice cut of their financial resources in the next budget year of the underground movement.

Aside from that, disguising as media people is a great tactic given that no one would possibly ever suspect that they are actual rebels out to attack the police station. Ironically, members of the media sector are given free rein in most police stations and are accorded a virtual pass since they serve as a medium in delivering news to the people. It is quite alarming that the NPAs have ventured into other means of attack as they no longer pretend to be just mere military personnel but are now manipulating the face of media sector to do their dirty tricks. It is high time for the government to tighten security in military camps and police stations across the country lest the rebels attack yet again.