Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) on Sunday directed all units “to be on high alert” and “to resume operations” against New People’s Army (NPA), following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order lifting the ceasefire with the rebels.
EastMinCom denied claims by the New People’s Army that members of CAFGU and a paramilitary group were on their way to attack NPA units in Davao del Norte on Wednesday. The rebels had ambushed the group, killing one militiaman and wounding four others.
This happened just two days after President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels.
Also read: Duterte to end ceasefire if ambush not explained
EastMinCom officials say, all offensive operations against the rebels had been suspended following the President’s ceasefire declaration, with the guidance of the Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Following the ambush, the President gave the rebels until Saturday, 5 p.m., to explain what happened–and to declare their own ceasefire with the government. He lifted the government’s unilateral ceasefire when the deadline passed without any response from the rebels.
With the ceasefire now lifted, military officials issued a statement saying, “The [EastMinCom] assures our countrymen that it will remain committed to protecting our communities against armed threats and in pursuing peace and development.”
The statement also calls on the NPA to abandon the armed struggle and instead “join the rest of society in attaining true and lasting peace and progress for our country.”
Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa also issued a memorandum to the Philippine National Police (PNP), lifting the suspension of offensive operations against the rebels.
“All office/units must be on high alert and continue to discharge their normal functions and mandate to neutralize all threats to national security, protect the citizenry, enforce the law and maintain peace in all areas of responsibility,” Dela Rosa said.
CNN Philippines’ Gerg Cahiles and Davao-based journalist Ben Tesiorna contributed to this report.
