Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa on Monday also placed the rest of Luzon under heightened alert status to ensure "operational readiness" against possible attacks also by the NPA and to prepare for the founding anniversary of the NPA on December 26.

Verzosa also ordered pursuit operations against those who raided the police station in San Narciso town late Sunday afternoon.

The rebels took several high-powered firearms including five M16 rifles, four shotguns, as well as P30,000 in cash.

The Regional Mobile Group of in Calabarzon and the Provincial Mobile Groups of Quezon Police Provincial Police Office are leading pursuit operations against the rebels, Verzosa said.

Police also recovered an abandoned Mitsubishi gray van (THH 115) at the village of Buenavista reportedly used as a getaway vehicle of the suspects, he added.

Verzosa said that in the past, the NPA has been known to mount hostile activities in celebration of the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26.

These offensive activities include "show of force" and other high-profile actions to gain propaganda mileage, Verzosa said. -- INQUIRER