Reds observing 5-day truce despite attack calls

?BAGUIO CITY – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday maintained the unilateral ceasefire declaration of its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), will stand despite its order to intensify attacks against government forces.

In a statement, the CPP said the five-day ceasefire “will be observed on the specified days,” referring to Dec. 24 to 26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1.?Amid worsening abuses perpetrated by the military and the police, the CPP said it is the NPA’s duty to the people to carry out extensive tactical offensives.

The CPP had ordered the NPA to intensify its attacks following Congress’ decision to extend martial law in Mindanao.

Former assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go said the extension of martial law in Mindanao will benefit the region.

Go said he would push for “localized peace talks” should he get elected to the Senate in 2019. 

The military, under the leadership of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, said troops had been prepared to anticipate attacks from the NPA.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also placed its forces on high alert following the threat from communist rebels.

Security forces had been placed on alert ahead of the CPP’s 50th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

“No amount of military offensives by the AFP can stop the Filipino people and their revolutionary forces from mounting rallies and other mass gatherings and meetings all over the country to celebrate the (Communist) Party’s achievements and victories,” the CPP said. – With Robertzon Ramirez