Philippine Army troops are on high alert in preparation for the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Thursday, December 26.
“Our troops on the frontlines are reminded to stay on alert and conduct continuous internal security operations to ensure peace and order in their respective areas of operation, allowing the Filipino people to celebrate this holiday season peacefully with their families,” Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala stated.
However, Dema-ala noted that the Army does not find it necessary to declare a heightened alert for the CPP’s anniversary.
“We are always on alert, so there is no need to declare a heightened alert,” he said.
This year, both the CPP and the government did not declare a ceasefire, unlike in previous years.
“The Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army cannot declare a holiday ceasefire in the face of the Marcos regime’s relentless war of suppression, offensive military operations, and imposition of martial law in the countryside,” CPP Spokesperson Marco Valbuena said in a statement on December 17.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), have significantly declined in strength, with approximately 1,500 fighters remaining as of December 2023, down from a peak of 25,000 in 1987.
