The Philippine National Police (PNP) does not want to do a lot of talking in dealing with communist rebels and instead vowed to sustain intensified operations to permanently dismantle their remaining operational units.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the police organization remains aligned with the government’s position that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) no longer holds the capacity to justify renewed national negotiations.

“Our operational approach remains unyielding: we will continue to launch aggressive, targeted operations against the remnants of the CPP-NPA to permanently dismantle their remaining operational units,” Nartatez said.

“The goal is to finally bring peace and development to communities and far-flung areas that have long experienced threats and intimidation,” he added.

Calls for renewed peace talks were floated after the incident in Negros Occidental wherein among those killed were student leaders who were believed to have been recruited by the NPA.

While some groups are calling for justice, Department of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro maintained that all the 19 fatalities were communist rebels, adding that there is no proof that they are innocent civilians.

Nartatez said the PNP will keep close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines as authorities move to prevent armed groups from regrouping in insurgency-affected areas, particularly in parts of Negros Island and nearby provinces.

“There is no room for complacency. The PNP, in coordination with the AFP, will maintain maximum pressure on these lawless groups to ensure they can no longer threaten our communities or hinder local development,” he said.

Nartatez also ordered regional and provincial police offices to intensify intelligence monitoring against armed communist groups.

He also directed local police units to strengthen community-based programs focused on youth recruitment prevention and anti-radicalization efforts.

“The PNP remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitutional rights of every Filipino. Our operations are directed against armed lawless elements, not lawful dissent,” he said.