NPA urged: Respect SOMO

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 28): NPA urged: Respect SOMO

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles called on the New People's Army to be faithful to the ceasefire they have declared and respect the prolonged suspension of military operations (SOMO) being observed by the government.

This was after the killing of an Army soldier in an encounter Thursday night in Bukidnon, as the Communist Party of the Philippines marked its 45 th founding anniversary.

Deles said in a statement she issued, “We challenge those who carry arms in the name of the people to become instruments of peace in this Advent season”.

The CPP-NPA said it is observing SOMO from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26, and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2 next year. The government ceasefire, meanwhile, took effect Dec. 21 to Jan 15 next year.

“W e are one with our fellow countrymen and women in the belief that better days are ahead, and we join in the call for peace throughout the country, a peace that will allow everyone—rebels and non-rebels alike—to celebrate the holidays free from fear and uncertainty,” Deles added.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3 rd Infantry Division commander, who supervises internal security operations in Negros and Panay, said that they will maintain their presence in the communities, to protect civilians, government and private infrastructure, as well as military camps and detachments.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/28/negor4.htm