AFP: No ceasefire with NPA during Christmas season

From GMA News Online (Dec 13, 2022): AFP: No ceasefire with NPA during Christmas season (By JOVILAND RITA)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it ruled out declaring a ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army (CPP-NPA) for the Christmas season.

“Ceasefire is ruled out because of leadership vacuum within the CPP after the neutralization of many of its top leaders,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar told GMA News Online in a message.

“With only five active guerilla fronts, the insurgents' capability to mount terrorism has been significantly degraded," he added.

He made the statement when asked if the AFP was considering declaring a suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the communist rebels.

“It is up to the AFP leadership to declare SOMO or not,” he said.

Aguilar told reporters that the most the AFP could do was to declare a SOMO and maintain active defense, especially in areas where the insurgents are already weak.

“We pray that the insurgents will also be allowed to go to their families and think about their future. We hope that come the New Year, their resolution will be to abandon armed struggle and all forms of violence that destroy human lives and property,” he said. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/854331/afp-no-ceasefire-with-npa-during-istmas-season/story/