Reds to observe unilateral ceasefire
THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said on Friday, December 7, that its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), will observe a temporary unilateral ceasefire for the Christmas holidays and their 50th founding anniversary.
In a statement, the central committee of the CPP-NPA said the temporary ceasefire will take effect on 12:01 a.m. of December 24 until 11:59 p.m. of December 26 and at 12:01 a.m. of December 31 until 11:59 p.m. of January 1.
The military, on the other hand, is not likely to suspend military operations.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he objected to a suspension of military operations (Somo) with the CPP-NPA during the holiday season.
“No. I have objected to a Somo. We shall not allow the CPP to use a Somo to celebrate their 50th anniversary,” he said.
It would be the first time in years that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not implement a Somo with the CPP-NPA during the said days.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), in a statement, declared “to all commands and units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and people’s militias a temporary unilateral ceasefire in unity with the Filipino people’s observance of traditional holidays and provide the people and their revolutionary forces a brief period to pay tribute to their heroes and martyrs as they mark and celebrate the Party’s upcoming 50th anniversary.”
“During the days covered by this temporary ceasefire declaration, all units of the NPA and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military campaigns and operations
against uniformed armed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
(GRP),” it added.
The CPP said soldiers and policemen assigned in “guerilla territories of the NPA” may take a short break and take advantage of the time where they can visit their families and loved ones during the holidays. (SunStar Philippines)