The National Security Council (NSC) said the armed campaign of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) remains active despite the group’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said recent deadly encounters involving the New People’s Army (NPA), the CPP’s armed wing, during the holiday season show that violence persists on the ground.
“Declarations of temporary ceasefires, when coupled with explicit calls for continued armed readiness, merely show insincerity for genuine public safety and community welfare,” he said.
The CPP’s central committee said the first part of the truce will run from 12:00 midnight of Dec. 25 to 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 26. The NPA will also observe a second two-day ceasefire from 12:00 midnight of Dec. 31 until 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 1, 2026.
The CPP directed its units to go on “active defense mode” during the period, saying the move was in solidarity with holiday celebrations and to mark its 57th party anniversary on Dec. 26.
Days before the truce took effect, two soldiers were killed when anti-personnel mines were detonated by NPA rebels in Balatan, Camarines Sur on Dec. 20.
Seven suspected NPA members were also killed in separate clashes with the military in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, and Las Navas, Northern Samar from Dec. 19 to 23.
On Dec. 3, two soldiers also died in an NPA encounter in San Jose de Buan, Samar.
“For 57 years, the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army armed campaign has exacted a heavy toll on the Filipino people, resulting in loss of lives, displacement, economic disruption, and persistent insecurity, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged rural communities,” Año said.
“Recent armed encounters, including incidents that caused fatalities even during the holiday period, demonstrate that violence remains an active and continuing means to achieve their objectives,” he added.
The NSA said temporary ceasefire declarations by the CPP lack credibility, noting these are undermined by open calls for armed readiness.
The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines did not reciprocate the CPP’s ceasefire declaration.
Año stressed that democratic dissent is protected under the Constitution, but said armed struggle to achieve political goals is unacceptable in a democratic system.
Meanwhile, the NSA reiterated its commitment to the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development, implemented through a whole-of-nation approach led by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The strategy focuses on ending the conflict through lawful and people-centered measures, including rebel disengagement, reintegration, livelihood assistance, and stronger local governance.
Año noted that the government continues to offer amnesty to qualified former rebels, describing it as a “clear path back to civilian life.”
He called on remaining armed members to surrender and rejoin society, and urged the public, especially the youth, to reject the glorification of violence and support peaceful reform.
The NSA said ending the decades-long insurgency requires collective resolve, adding that progress depends on denying violence legitimacy and delivering security and development to affected communities.
