The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it will continue its security operations nationwide during the holiday season, dismissing the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) recent statement as a propaganda move by what it described as a designated terrorist organization.
In a statement, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stressed that military responsibilities are continuous and are not subject to unilateral pronouncements by armed groups.
The CPP earlier directed its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to observe a four-day ceasefire in line with the group’s 57th anniversary and the holiday period.
In a statement, the CPP Central Committee said the ceasefire will take effect during the following periods: from 12 a.m. of December 25, 2025 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, 2025; and from 12 a.m. of December 31, 2025 to 11:59 p.m. of January 1, 2026.
The CPP said all NPA units are instructed to shift into active defense mode, especially in the face of relentless military operations of state troops against their group nationwide.
“This temporary ceasefire order is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people as they conduct simple celebrations of their traditional holidays, amid grave social and economic conditions,” the CPP said.
Padilla said the AFP, in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, will sustain lawful security operations to ensure peace and order and prevent armed groups from exploiting the situation to regroup, rearm, or threaten public safety.
“As Filipinos observe the holiday season, our troops remain on duty, committed to safeguarding communities nationwide,” Padilla said.
She reiterated the call for remaining members of armed groups to abandon violence, lay down their arms, and return to the fold of the law in the interest of lasting peace and development.
The Department of National Defense (DND) echoed the AFP’s position, describing the CPP statement as “a sad propaganda stunt of a terrorist organization.”
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the department underscored that military duties are not subject to pauses or seasons.
