Army goes on combat mode

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 3): Army goes on combat mode

Peace in the Negros Island Region for almost six months, in the absence of insurgency-related violence because of the unilateral ceasefire observed by the Philippine Army and National Police, as well as the New People's Army, has come to an end.

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted a ceasefire with communist rebels yesterday, two days after the Communist Party of the Philippines also announced the end of its own self-declared ceasefire.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said last night that they will return to “combat mode”, while all detachments and Army outposts have already been placed on heightened alert.

But in the past six months, Delfin said Negros experienced a “peaceful environment”, with no violation reported from n both sides, although the military monitored consolidation of armed rebels as well as their recruitment activities in some Negros hinterland areas.

While they are in combat mode, he also said that they will also continue their Bayanihan and related peace-building activities, in coordination with local government units and concerned government agencies.

SIX SOLDIERS KILLED

While the ceasefire was ongoing, the military reported that the NPA had killed six soldiers this week alone, mostly in Mindanao.

"Because I have lost so many soldiers in just 48 hours, I think to continue with the ceasefire does not or will not produce anything," Duterte said in a speech.

"I really do not want to do this, but if that is what the communists want, there is nothing I can do. So let's fight. Let's give it another 50 years."

Armed Forces chief of staff General Eduardo Año, in a statement sent to the Visayan DAILY STAR, said they will abide by the order of President Duterte to end the unilateral ceasefire.

"We will go after the (communists' armed wing) to prevent them from conducting atrocities and criminal activities against the public," Ano said in a statement.

"And we will hit them hard!"

Duterte criticized the rebels for making "unreasonable demands" including asking for the release of 400 jailed guerrillas before agreeing to a bilateral ceasefire.

‘TALK WHILE FIGHTING'

He added he had already "walked the extra mile" by releasing 18 communist leaders to kick-start the peace process last year, but added he also had to secure the support of his security forces.

"I really tried, but the demands are just too huge that it is impossible to meet or even work out a compromise," Duterte said.

While they are ending the ceasefire, the communists said it did not mean they were pulling out of peace negotiations, adding it was possible to "talk while fighting".

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/February/04/topstory3.htm