AFP not raising alert status as CPP-NPA observes 43rd founding anniversary

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines sees no reason to raise its alert status as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) observes its 43rd anniversary on Monday, December 26, according to the military spokesman.

“The AFP is on white alert status and the general security situation prevailing around the country is normal,” Colonel Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.

“While we shifted focus and poured the bulk of our resources and manpower on the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in calamity-stricken areas in the country particularly in Cagayan De Oro and Iligan, we continue to monitor activities of possible threats to nation’s peace and stability,” he added.

The AFP is observing an 18-day unilateral suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) against the New People’s Army, the armed component of the CPP, from December 16 to January 2.

The NPA launched two ambushes in Surigao del Sur that killed five soldiers and an elderly woman and wounded 14 soldiers before it declared a six-day truce from December 24 to 26 and from December 31 to January 2.

“The AFP continues to be on active defense mode as we strictly enforce and adhere to the provision of the SOMO,” Burgos said, adding they have also intensified intelligence operations to thwart any NPA offensives.

Last year the CPP commemorated its 42nd anniversary with a parade by NPA guerillas in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.

On the same day Jorge Madlos, the 63-year-old spokesman of the CPP’s political arm, the National Democratic Front, in Mindanao gave interviews to the media.

Peace negotiations, which were revived early this year, have been on an impasse for months after the NDF insisted that the government release its jailed leaders first before further talks.