Army downplays Reds’ attack

The Philippine Army on Monday downplayed the possible attacks from the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA) ahead of the communists’ 56th founding anniversary on 26 December, saying their celebration is “insignificant.”

“Are they still significant? We say no. There is no time and space for our government giving attention to lawless elements,” Army Chief LtGen. Roy Galido told reporters in a press conference at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Galido stressed that the Philippine Army would heed the government’s stance on not declaring a truce against the CPP-NPA, even this holiday season.

“I think a government in position and always adhering to the rule of law, you don’t give ceasefire to lawless elements, right? Because what we want in our country is stability and peace. If we don’t enforce the law, then, there will be chaos,” he said.

Galido reiterated Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s earlier statement saying — “any ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF is a ceasefire against terrorists and criminals.”

“As mentioned earlier, there is no ceasefire because there is no reason. Because we are enforcing the law to obtain peace in our country,” he said.

Also, Galido touted the army’s efforts on internal security threats, which led to the downfall of the CPP-NPA’s guerrilla fronts in the countryside, leaving only one weakened.

From 1 January to the present this year, the Philippine Army conducted a total of 276 focused military operations against communist rebels, resulting in the recovery of 1,141 firearms and neutralization of 876 local terrorist members — including those who were killed in action, captured individuals and those who have surrendered to the military.