MANILA, Philippines — The police force would remain on guard for the holiday season even as the New People’s Army (NPA) announced a unilateral ceasefire, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said on Sunday.
“Kahit na sila ay nagdeclare, alam ko meron silang declaration of unilateral ceasefire pero on the part of the government especially the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP we will continue on with our internal security operations and law enforcement operations also,” Albayalde said after the Simbang Gabi at Camp Crame on Sunday.
As of now, the police chief said that they have not seen movements from the NPA forces.
“Wala naman tayong namomonitor although pinaghahandaan natin yung kanilang anniversary,” Albayalde added.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced on its website that they have declared a temporary unilateral ceasefire for the holidays and their 50th year anniversary.
Albayalde earlier said the operations of the communist rebels are a factor in enhancing security measures for this year’s Christmas season.
“Alam naman natin na yung threat sa leftist (forces) and threat sa terrorism, alam naman natin na nandyan yan so hindi tayo pwede maging complacent,” he added.
READ: Tightened security for Simbang Gabi only a preventive measure — Albayalde
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which includes CPP-NPA, was initially engaged in peace talks with the Philippine government.
However, the administration accused the rebels of violating certain provisions of the truce and plotting to topple the government, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to cancel the discussions and proceed to an all-out war.
Immediately after Duterte’s remarks, CPP Founder Jose Maria Sison told NPA to intensify attacks against government forces to protect the people. /je
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