PH military won’t recommend holiday ceasefire with Reds

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine security forces are inclined to forego the traditional holiday ceasefire with communist rebels.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military will not recommend a declaration of suspension of military operations with the New People’s Army (NPA) to President Rodrigo Duterte because of the lack of sincerity on the other side.

He said the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), showed “incapacity for sincerity and for being unfaithful to a covenant….many times in the past.”

“During the incumbency of a truce, these terrorists continued their extortion activities and committed crimes of murder, arson, and the likes,” Arevalo said.

He accused the communists of using the peace talks “only to give themselves the chance to regroup, refurbish, recruit new members, and recoup their losses.”

The military usually declares a ceasefire during the holidays, which is also reciprocated by communist rebels.

Nonetheless, Arevalo said AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay will support the final decision of the President on the matter.

On Tuesday, the Senate wrapped up its hearings on the military’s allegations that progressive groups, including the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives, are serving as fronts of the CPP-NPA.

/MUF