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 calling their celebration "insignificant."

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

Galido stressed that the Philippine Army would adhere to the government’s stance on not declaring a truce against the CPP-NPA, even during the 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. We are enforcing the law to obtain peace in our country,” he added.

Galido also highlighted the army’s efforts against 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 the neutralization of 876 local terrorist members—including those who were killed in action, captured individuals, and those who have surrendered to the military.