AFP awaits order to scale down operations vs Reds

MANILA, Philippines - The military will wait for President Duterte’s instruction on the Communist Party of the Philippines’ call for troops to stand down following the release of four more captives of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the CPP.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the AFP would also let the President decide on what steps to take as the rebel group prepares for a declaration of unilateral ceasefire not later than March 31.

“It depends on the President. We shall await his decision,” AFP chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año said.

“It (unilateral ceasefire) is useless if they continue to extort money and burn equipment and properties,” he added.

The CPP earlier urged Duterte to order the AFP to “slow down its ongoing military operations and aerial bombing and shelling campaigns in rural communities to help create a favorable atmosphere for the mutual ceasefire.”

The CPP also announced that the NPA would release four more of its prisoners following the release of two last Friday in Mati, Davao Oriental. It did not identify the freed captives.

Among the prisoners being held by the NPA are six soldiers and policemen – Pfc. Edwin Salan who was captured in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on Jan. 29; Sgt. Solaiman Calucop and Pfc. Samuel Garay captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on Feb. 2; PO2 Jerome Natividad captured in Talakag, Bukidnon on Feb. 9; and paramilitary Rene Doller and Carl Mark captured in Lupon, Davao Oriental on Feb. 14.

The AFP had repeatedly declared that the military wants the peace talks between the government and the CPP to continue but will not allow rebel groups to terrorize people and businesses during the process because it has a sworn duty to protect the state.

“The AFP and the PNP will not allow the CPP-NPA to violate the law and imperil lives of innocent people in the communities,” Año said.