Army to continue whole-of-nation initiatives, heeds PH prexy’s ceasefire order

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 24): Army to continue whole-of-nation initiatives, heeds PH prexy’s ceasefire order   .

After the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday for a ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), 4th Infantry Division commanding general MGen. Benjamin Madrigal issued a directive as a guide for the uniformed personnel serving under his area of responsibility to carry on the said marching order as announced.

According to Madrigal, there will be no military offensive operations against the NPA. However, he emphasized that they will continue peripheral prophilactic patrols to ensure the security of their troops and facilities. He likewise said that this does not stop them from responding to terroristic attacks of NPAs targeting civilian and government facilities.

“As directed, we will continue our support to law enforcement operations of the PNP, conduct checkpoints to deter any hostile activities in the area, secure all vital installations, and support to the Bayanihan activities or the whole-of-nation initiatives that are jointly undertaken by all stakeholders to help improve the living condition of our fellow countrymen,” underscored Madrigal.

Moreover, he stated that they will not let their guards down after the said declaration. “We will remain vigilant in our respective area of responsibility,” said Madrigal.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, commanding officer of the Army's 4th Civil- Military Operations Battalion, remarked that they are in support to the temporary cessation of aggressive actions between the government and the communist armed groups. “We will respond accordingly based on the directives from the higher-ups and pursue the strategic advantage to culminate the state of chaos in critical areas of the country. We will work for specific solutions to underlying disputes without associated bloodshed, if possible. With concerted efforts, we envisioned a peaceful end of the polarizing effects of violence and pursue our goals for national development,” expressed Pasco.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761472015962/army-to-continue-whole-of-nation-initiatives-heeds-ph-prexy-s-ceasefire-order-