No ceasefire proposal yet, but SOMO to be enforced—AFP

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it has not received any recommendation to observe a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels during the Christmas season.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. placed the Special Action Force (SAF) and all 17 Regional Mobile Force Battalions (RMFB) on high alert against possible attacks by communist rebels in light of the 54th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Azurin said however, that there would be no muzzling of police firearms this year, saying he is confident that they would not fire these during the holiday revelry.

“I am not aware of the recommendation. The most that we can do is to declare SOMO (suspension offensive military operation) and move to active defense, especially in areas where the insurgents are already weak,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told reporters.

However, Aguilar expressed optimism that the New People’s Army (NPA) leaders would allow their men to go home and spend the holidays with their families.

Aguilar also said the furlough would give the insurgents time to ponder their future and their families living in peace.

“We pray that the insurgents will also be allowed to go to their families and think about their future,” Aguilar said.

“We hope that come New Year, their resolution will be to abandon armed struggle and all forms of violence that destroy human lives and properties,” he said.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro honored fallen troops of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) during his visit to the unit’s headquarters in Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on Monday.