By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos, Antonio L. Colina IV, and Francis T. Wakefield
Malacañang has welcomed the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front for the holiday season and the 49th founding anniversary of the CPP on Dec. 26.
The communists declared a unilateral ceasefire two days after Malacañang announced that President Duterte has declared a suspension of combat operations against the CPP-NPA-NDF to enable Filipinos to celebrate the holidays without apprehension.
The communist ceasefire will be from 6 p.m. Dec. 23 to 6 p.m. Dec. 26 and 6 p.m. Dec. 30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 2. On the other hand, the government ceasefire will be from 6 p.m. Dec. 23 to 11:59 p.m. Dec. 26 and 6 p.m. Dec. 30 to 11:59 p.m. Jan. 2.
In a statement, NPA spokesperson Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos said the NPA’s National Operations Command has ordered all its commands and units to refrain from carrying out offensive campaigns and operations against Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in observance of Christmas and New Year celebrations and CPP’s 49th anniversary.
“During this period, all NPA units and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military campaigns and operations against the uniformed armed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its paramilitaries and the Philippine National Police of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” Madlos said.
“Personnel of the AFP and PNP who have no serious liabilities other than their membership in their armed units shall not be subjected to arrest or punitive actions. They may be allowed individually to enter the territory of the people’s democratic government to make personal visits to relatives and friends,” he added.
However, Madlos said all units of the NPA, will remain on active defensive mode in order “to defend the people and revolutionary forces” and continue to enforce their policies and laws in territories under their authority.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has advised troops to be on a defensive posture during the ceasefire with the communists.
Guerrero said soldiers are tasked to protect communities from possible communist despite the ceasefire. “They are tasked to be on active defense of course and to make sure we continue protecting our communities from possible attacks,” Guerrero said.