Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to obey the holiday truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.
“Following President Duterte’s directive, a unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF will be in effect from 12 a.m. on Dec. 23, 2019 until Jan. 7, 2020, 11:59 p.m.,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
“The appropriate directive has already been properly communicated and disseminated to all AFP units,” he added.
However, Lorenzana advised all the military units to remain vigilant against treacherous attacks from the communist rebels.
“The AFP will remain on alert, and stand ready to respond to any threats to the safety and security of our communities,” Andolong said.
Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Police Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa yesterday ordered police forces running after communist rebels to stand down following the ceasefire declaration.
He said he also instructed police commanders to be on the alert against possible treacherous attacks on police stations and camps that maybe carried out by the communist rebels ahead of the CPP founding anniversary on Dec. 26.
“Our personnel should be alert, especially those in areas where NPA presence is high,” Gamboa said. (Martin Sadongdong and Aaron Recuenco)
