Alagar places Normin under ‘level 3’ alert as govt calls off peace talks

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

CAMP Alagar yesterday placed the entire northern Mindanao under “terror alert level 3” following the government’s announcement that it was calling off peace negotiations with communist rebels.

That kind of alert level means that a deadly terror attack is being anticipated “within a short period of time.”

Camp Alagar spokesman Supt. Lemuel Gonda said there were persistent intelligence reports of terrorist activities in Region 10.

Gonda said it is similar to the police’s alert level in the city when it celebrated its annual fiesta in August.

He said, “The aim of the PNP is to be vigilant all the time.”

With President Duterte announcing his decision to call off peace talks with communist rebels whom he now considers as “terrorists,” Camp Alagar is anticipating terrorist attacks in region, said Gonda.

But Gonda said “there’s no need to panic at this point” because the police in the region has always been on alert.

He also said that the police are advising the public to be alert and to be cautious.

On Wednesday night, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process announced the cancellation of all its planned meetings with the communist rebel leaders in line with President Duterte’s directive that there would no longer be peace talks with them.

Reads part of Opapp’s statement: “Recent tragic and violent incidents all over the country committed by the communist rebels left the President with no other choice but to arrive at this decision. We take guidance from the President’s recent announcements and declarations.

“This is an unfortunate development in our work for peace. Never before have we all reached this far in our negotiations with them.

“President Duterte has taken unprecedented steps and has walked the so-called extra mile to bring peace. However, the Communist Party and its armed elements have not shown reciprocity.

“There will be no peace negotiations anymore with the CPP/NPA/NDF until such time as the desired enabling environment conducive to a change in the government’s position becomes evident…

“Despite this setback (hopefully only temporary), we remain steadfast and undeterred in our unrelenting journey for sustainable and just peace.”

Meanwhile, Gonda said Camp Alagar was also monitoring the Maute group that could be recruiting members in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan  City,  Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon.

But Gonda said no report about an actual Maute recruitment in the region has been validated.

“Mao nang na-misinterpret sa uban nganong mo-ingon daw ang PNP nga wala, nga nag-ingon na man ang Army. Pero ang gi-ingon nga Army nga ‘possible recruitment.’ Bo-ot pasabot nga wala pay actual recruitment niana,” Gonda said.