No holiday ceasefire? CPP says military not abiding by own ceasefire declarations

MANILA, Philippines — The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Saturday accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines of not abiding by its own ceasefire declarations after the military decided not to recommend a ceasefire with communist rebels this Christmas.

“The recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to not go on ceasefire this holiday seasons does not come as a surprise. We also wager that Duterte will readily approve this plan,” Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, said in a statement.

“All these years, the AFP has opposed any act that serves the end of peace. They have never abided by their own ceasefire declarations,” he further said.

Valbuena said despite the ceasefire announced during the COVID-19 lockdown, the military continued to be offensive against the communist groups.

“Recall that in March to April, just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the Philippines and in the middle of the Duterte-declared ceasefire, the AFP launched a nationwide offensive against the people and NPA. These offensives continue to be mounted by the AFP,” said Valbuena.

Valbuena, moreover, said the “ war-and-profit-addicted” generals of the Philippine military are “the biggest stumbling blocks to peace and national unity.”

The military decided to forego the holiday ceasefire because the communist rebels’ lack of sincerity.

CFC