Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 25) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will remain vigilant during the two-day ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that started on Dec. 25, Monday.
“We will be watchful and our operations will continue unabated to keep our communities safe and end the communist armed conflict, once and for all. The defeat of this threat aligns with the collective wish of all Filipinos,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.
“The unilateral ceasefire declared by the CPP is an empty statement as they do not have the leadership and support of the masses,” he added. “Their ammunitions are depleted and their members, supporters included, are surrendering.”
Trinidad also said the CPP’s capability to stage attacks “was already diminished” but the AFP expects “harassments to create unnecessary disturbance or noise” and the forces on the ground are ready.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said the AFP’s stand on the holiday ceasefire “shows mistrust” and is “not good for the planned peace talks.”
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“During the suspension of military operations (SOMO), both sides must exhibit good faith and observe to the letter and to the spirit any declaration of ceasefire or SOMO,” Pimentel told reporters in a message.
The NPA was also placed on high alert and ordered to be vigilant and “ready to act in self-defense” against “hostile actions.”
“[T]rust must be earned thru consistency of words with actions,” he added.
The CPP announced that its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA) will observe ceasefire beginning Christmas day as it marks its 55th anniversary on Dec. 26.
