AFP to continue ops against NPA despite CPP ceasefire declaration

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said it will remain compliant with its given task to continue the military operations against the guerrilla fronts of the New People's Army despite the Communist Party of the Philippines' declaration of a two-day Unilateral Ceasefire. 

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the military's Public Affairs chief, said the AFP sees the CPP's ceasefire declaration as an "empty statement."

"The task given to the AFP is clear and we will comply with it. 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," Trinidad said in a text message.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena, in an email sent to news organizations on Saturday, confirmed the Party's two-day suspension of its guerrillas forces' offensives against the AFP and the Philippine National Police nationwide.

Valbuena said the unilateral ceasefire will begin from 12:01 midnight on 25 December until 11:59 pm on 26 December—in time for the CPP's 55th founding anniversary. 

"The ceasefire declaration is also in solidarity with the people's traditional holiday celebration," he said. 

In response, Trinidad said. "The unilateral ceasefire declared by the CPP is an empty statement as they do not have the leadership and support of the masses. Their ammunitions are depleted and their members, supporters included, are surrendering."

Meanwhile, Trinidad underscored that the CPP-NPA's ability to distort peace and security has already long gone. 

However, the military will remain vigilant against any possible insurgent attacks from the communist armed groups. 

"Their capability to plan and stage attacks was already diminished, but we are expecting harassments to create unnecessary disturbance or noise. Nonetheless, our forces on the ground were already warned and are ready,"  Trinidad said.

Further, the military official advised the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to surrender instead of continuing their "senseless advocacies."

"It is much better for them to abandon the armed struggle. Laying down their arms and returning to the folds of the law in order to be with their families is the rational path forward towards a united, peaceful, and progressive country," said Trinidad.