by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (12 October) -- The Philippine National Police here has already stepped up activities to prepare for possible attacks by the rebels.

Police Provincial Director Cipriano Querol disclosed that prior to the break down of the insurgency problem, the Philippine National Police (PNP) here has already lined up security measures to counter the problem.

Senior Superintendent Querol disclosed that even if it is not included in the red-letter dates of the New People's Army, they have always been prepared for possible attacks by the enemies.

According to him, the members of the two PNP mobile groups in the province have undergone series of retraining programs.

He added that the 604th PNP mobile group was already deployed in Tuburan, Maayon to cover the municipalities of Pilar, President Roxas and Maayon.

On the other hand, the 605th mobile group was also deployed in Manhoy, Dao to cover the towns of Cuartero and Dumarao.

In Capiz, the six towns, namely Maayon, Cuartero, Dumarao, Dumalag, Tapaz and Sapian have been identified by the PNP as high risk municipalities because of the presence of vital projects and infrastructure facilities like cellular phone sites, airport, malls and the like.

Aside from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is also coming out with security measures in cooperation with the active and vigilant communities, Malacañang said.

The government urges the public to cooperate since the terror attacks, like that in Silay City International Airport recently, will only negatively affect the economy and embolden political destabilization and destroy the gains that had already been achieved.

Accordingly, the government will continue to press on with measures to secure the vital projects and infrastructures in the country and further intensify the counter-terrorism campaign in all fronts, Malacañang said.