ILOILO CITY – Deputy Director General Emmanuel Carta yesterday said the Philippine National Police will also play an active role in helping the military to crush the communist rebellion in 2010.

Carta, however, said the police will not necessarily join the military in running after armed rebels in the mountains, but will engage in activities aimed at “wining the hearts and minds” of the people in urban areas.

He said there are groups in urban areas that are affiliated with the rebel movement, who exploited issues and concerns raised by the people, which had been left unattended by concerned government agencies.

Carta who represented PNP chief Avelino Razon as guest of honor and speaker in the 17 th PNP founding anniversary celebration held at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City , stressed the need for policemen to immerse themselves in the community, bringing concerns of the people to the government, among others.

By doing this, we may be able to get their support, Carta, who is the chief of the PNP Directorial Staff, said.

The military identified Negros and Samar as priority areas for clearing of insurgents in the Visayas.

Military records show that there are four NPA guerilla fronts in Negros , with an estimated 500 members, including about 170 armed red fighters.

The Army's 3 rd Infantry Division, which supervises the anti-insurgency campaign in Western and Central Visayas, is deploying the 15 th Infantry Battalion to Negros next month.

Negros accounts for more than half of the guerilla fronts to be dismantled by the 3 rd ID in the two Visayas regions until 2010.

In his speech that was read by Carta, Razon said the PNP is buying P1.3 billion worth of equipment to enhance the capability of policemen in dealing with insurgents and terrorists.

He added that they expect a supplemental fund from the Office of the President to acquire more vehicles, such as troop carriers, and motorcycles.

Carta, assisted by Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay, regional police director, and Napolcom regional director Honeygrace Paredes, led the distribution of awards to outstanding police units and individuals in Western Visayas, including the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office which was adjudged as best provincial police office for 2007, and the Cadiz police Women's and Children Protection Center as best WCPC in the city category, respectively.*GPB

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