Military on guard status during Somo, says top 8th ID official

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 23): Military on guard status during Somo, says top 8th ID official

The military’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City has disclosed its intent to be on on guard status even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines has announced the suspension of military operations (Somo) for the holiday period from December 16, 2012 and to end on January 3, 2013. Major General Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8ID said in a statement that the military across the region has been ordered to be on their guard although they will refrain from any deliberate offensive operation against the New Peoples Army (NPA) and will adhere to the rule of no indiscriminate firing of firearms.

MGen. Layug also said that the military will not put its guard down and will continue to protect the civilian communities’ government establishments, investment facilities and vital structures, military camps and detachments against any threat of force by armed groups during the holiday season. The military will still undertake security operations and security patrols to ensure the safety of all. The military’s bayanihan team activities will also be continued during the Somo period to facilitate addressing the prevailing issues in the communities. Route security and checkpoint operations in close coordination with the Philippines National Police are included in the security measures aimed to deter terrorism and preempt the proliferation of loose firearms and explosives.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1151356079118