MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National declared a heightened alert status in response to an order by the Communist Party of the Philippines for the New People’s Army to intensify attacks in response to another extension of martial law in Mindanao. On Wednesday, Congress voted in favor of extending martial law in the southern Philippines until December 31, 2018. The police chief also said that police mobile strike forces deployed in Eastern Visayas, Negros island and the Bicol region have linked up with their military counterparts. The Communist Party of the Philippines will mark its 50th anniversary on December 26. Its armed wing, the New People's Army, turns 50 in 2019.

Source: Philippine Star December 13, 2018 12:00 UTC