The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday called on the remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army, to surrender and leave the armed struggle during this Christmas time.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the military's Public Affairs chief, made this call after the Philippine Army's 95th Infantry Battalion under the 5th Infantry Division reportedly engaged in a nearly one-hour shootout with NPA members in the mountainous area of Barangay San Carlos, Gattaran, Cagayan, on Saturday, 23 December.

In an initial report, two casualties were logged from the rebel group following the firefight. 

"It is time for them to take advantage of the peace programs of the government, we encourage them to lay down their arms and abandon the armed struggle," Trinidad said.

He noted that the AFP, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the military's Task Force Balik Loob are ready to guide them to having a fresh start away from armed revolution. 

"The AFP and our partners in the NTF ELCAC and Task Force Balik Loob are ready to welcome them and ensure their safe and secure reintegration into the mainstream society," Trinidad said.

"It is better to spend time with their families this holiday season than meet the same fate of their dead comrades," he added.  

In a text message, Trinidad clarified that there are no ongoing formal peace talks between the government and the communist groups.

This, is despite the recently announced government's exploratory talks with the CPP-NPA's political wing, the National Democratic Front.  

"There is no peace talks yet. But no, this is not expected to have any effect on the proposed talks, but will surely affect the NPA's capability to stage any atrocity to our communities," Trinidad said when asked if the most recent firefight between the government and NPAs "will have any effect on possible peace negotiations of both parties." 

Meanwhile, Trinidad assured the public that they will remain alert to keep communities peaceful and secure even during the holiday season.

"The AFP assures every Filipino that we will be vigilant during this holiday season as we all work towards keeping our communities peaceful and secure," he said. 

"We thank everyone for their support and cooperation, which shows that, truly, security is everyone's responsibility and that all of us have a role to play in maintaining a peaceful environment," he added.