Soldiers in a forest of Divilacan, Isabela (File photo from PHILIPPINE ARMY 5TH INFANTRY DIVISION)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army is on alert ahead of the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26 (Thursday).
“Our troops on the frontlines are reminded to stay on alert and to conduct continuous internal security operations to ensure peace and order in their respective areas of operation in order for the Filipino people to celebrate this holiday season peacefully together with their families,” Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala told INQUIRER.net on Wednesday, Christmas Day.
However, Dema-ala said the Army does not see the need to declare a heightened alert for CPP’s anniversary.
“We are always on the alert, so no need to declare heightened alert,” he said.
Unlike in previous years, the CPP and the government did not declare a ceasefire this year.
“The Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army cannot declare a holiday ceasefire in the face of the Marcos regime’s relentless war of suppression, offensive military operations, and imposition of martial law in the countryside,” said CPP Spokesperson Marco Valbuena in a statement on December 17.
As of December 2023, CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army, is now down to about 1,500 fighters, far from its peak of around 25,000 in 1987, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Jose Maria Sison established the CPP on December 26, 1968, while the NPA was formed on March 29, 1969, waging the longest-running Maoist insurgency in the world.
In December 2022, Sison died at 83 years old during his self-exile in the Netherlands.
READ: Jose Maria Sison, ‘teacher, guiding light’ of insurgency; 83
Currently, the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, is working to resume peace talks with the government.