Despite SOMO declaration, Army still on full alert status

From the Leyte Samar Daily Express (Dec 18): Despite SOMO declaration, Army still on full alert status

TACLOBAN CITY- The declaration of the suspension of military operations (Somo) by their higher up would not mean that they would put their guards down. In a press statement, Major General Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, he had ordered all his men across the region not to take easy despite the Somo. He said that the rebel group, the New People’s Army, might take advantage of the declaration and stage their attacks, particularly those considered as vital installations. “We shall not put our guards down during the Somo.We will stay in full (red) alert status and respond to any eventualities which might be perpetrated by the NPA in our area of operations,” Layug said.

Earlier, officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced of the suspension of military operations effective December 16, 2012 and is to end on January 3, 2013. The declaration of the Somo “demonstrates” of the 8th ID’s committment, sincerity and resolve for peace inspite of conflicts with the insurgent group, Layug added. The suspension would mean that the military would not undertake any “deliberate offensive operation” against the NPA. “We will adhere to no to indiscriminate firing of firearms of our personnel during the holiday season,” Layug said.  However, the 8ID shall continue to undertake security operations and security patrols which aim to protect the civilian communities, government establishments, investment facilities and vital structures; military camps and detachments against any threat of force by armed groups, Layug said.Route security will also be implemented to protect the military and civilian movements and with close coordination with the Philippine National Police, checkpoint operations will also be conducted to deter terrorism and preempt the proliferation of loose firearms and explosives, the commanding general of the 8th ID said.

Layug added that the so-called “bayanihan team” activities will be continued during the Somo in order to facilitate addressing the prevailing issues of the communities. Likewise, military units shall collaborate with the stakeholders through the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ in deploying its personnel in times of disaster, humanitarian assistance, anti-illegal logging and environmental programs of the government, he added. Layug said that he hopes that the NPA members in the region would also adhere to the Somo imposed by the government for them to “celebrate the yuletide season with their families and friends.” “We hope that the meaningful time will enlighten their hearts on the futility of fighting and the beauty of togetherness and peace,”Layug said.

http://leytesamardaily.net/2012/12/despite-somo-declaration-army-still-on-full-alert-status/