Suspension of military operations vs Reds starts

MANILA, Philippines – As ordered by President Duterte, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) suspended offensive military operations against communist rebels starting yesterday.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya issued the directive following Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the order covers military-wide service support units engaged in counterinsurgency.

“Pursuant to the declaration of unilateral ceasefire by the commander-in-chief, President Duterte, all military units  are ordered to observe the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front effective 25 July 2016,” Arevalo said.

He said the troops are now under orders to avoid combat maneuvers that might be misconstrued as provocative acts.

However, the military will continue to perform its mandate in supporting law enforcement operations and helping in the delivery of basic services in communities, Arevalo said.

A day after declaring the unilateral ceasefire, Duterte yesterday said he would issue safe conduct pass for members of the CPP-NPA-NDF panel led by Jose Maria Sison for the peace talks.

Duterte added he would also give safe conduct pass to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad.

“I plead peace with everybody, I don’t want any single loss of life from them and ours in the government… I have to start with releasing the leaders not on anything but safe conduct pass for Sison, Misuari, Murad,” Duterte said in a speech at the Army’s 71th Infantry Division at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

Sison is on the US terror watch list since the CPP-NPA-NDF has been classified as a terror group. Misuari, on the other hand, is facing criminal charges for the 2013 Zamboanga siege. 

Duterte said he sees no problem with giving safe conduct to Murad since he is not facing any court case.  

Duterte explained to the troops why he needed to declare the ceasefire with the communists. He said it was a decision reached with the approval of the Cabinet, including National Security Adviser Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

“Let me explain to you the unilateral ceasefire, it is not my decision alone, it is the decision of the Cabinet, of course, general Esperon and Secretary Lorenzana are members of the cabinet,” Duterte said.

“I am a President that seeks peace with everyone. My job as president is not to look for conflict. My job is to make sure that there will be no conflict in the Philippines and that the military will be there ever ready to guard the integrity of the republic to protect the people,” he stressed.

“I don’t long anymore for anything but peace for my country. I plead peace with everybody.”

In a statement shortly after Duterte declared the unilateral ceasefire, Sison welcomed the initiative.

The CPP-NPA-NDF said they wanted first to know the operational details, schedules and specific orders of the SOMO. 

“In the interim, the CPP orders the NPA to maintain an active defense mode. A more detailed order is set to be issued by the national operations command of the NPA,” the CPP leadership said.

As to President Duterte’s appeal for the NPA to cease tactical offensives, the CPP leadership said this can immediately be reciprocated provided that all government forces are withdrawn from civilian communities.

The military leadership, however, maintained soldiers on forward deployment, unless ordered, will remain in their respective units or areas of assignment.

“As we welcome the unilateral declaration of ceasefire as a boost to the peace talks, we must remind ourselves that it is not so much the absence of war than the presence of justice and freedom that makes peace,” the CPP said.

Lawmakers hailed Duterte’s initiative to declare a ceasefire with the rebels.

“He set the bar of public service at a higher level. He inspires us to do the same,” 1Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero said.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat said even members of the minority like him were impressed by Duterte’s move. – With Christina Mendez, Delon Porcalla