DEFENSE and military authorities have slammed the door to a unilateral Christmas ceasefire with the New People’s Army in a move that they called a strategic move to prevent the terror group from consolidating forces through recruitment and attacks in the countryside.
Their decision came despite appeals from various sectors including the religious sects for authorities to observe the traditional Christmas truce with the NPA which President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a terrorist entity.
“ The Defense Secretary has already spoken that he is not inclined to declare a suspension of military operations this Christmas because it will give them chance also to continue their attacks on our outposts,” said DND Public Affairs Head Arsenio Andolong.
“They are taking potshots at our troops and policemen and he Lorenzana does not relish that and we will be giving them a chance to do all during the Christmas season,” Andolong added.
AFP’s Public Affairs Chief Col. Edgard Arevalo also shared a parallel view on the matter saying, “the communist terrorist has since been taking advantage of the declared truce. And the AFP sees no difference this Christmas season.”
Earlier, President Duterte categorically rejected any probability of a suspension of military operations against the NPAs whom he branded as criminals and terrorists.
“The AFP supports the wisdom and wise discretion of the Commander-in-Chief. He has already declared that there will be o unilateral ceasefire this December. The Secretary of National Defense has made a similar announcement of his position on the matter,” Arevalo said.
NPA rebels, despite an existing observance of bilateral truce, persisted in attacking military outposts while the government was talking peace with the outlawed organization.
So far, the NPA has suffered 25 casualties in the series of skirmishes with government forces in various parts of the country.
Military commanders, meanwhile, said they would be fortifying their defenses against potential attacks from terrorist elements during the Christmas holidays.
“We would not just be fortifying our barriers from the NPAs, but we will conduct widespread offensive against them to stop their illegal and criminal activities,” a military officer.