Aquino OKs suspension of military operations vs NPA

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday approved the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ suspension of military operations (Somo) against the New People’s Army (NPA) in observance of the holiday season.

The unilateral ceasefire would take place from 12:01 a.m. of Dec. 23 to 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 3, 2016, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a statement.

The military declares Somo with NPA in order for their troops to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones.

Last Tuesday, the NPA declared a unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 “in solidarity with the Filipino people’s traditional celebrations of Christmas and New Year holidays.”

This means they will cease and desist from carrying out offensive operations against government troops.

On Friday, five days before the NPA’s declared ceasefire, suspected communist rebels ambushed Army soldiers doing relief operations in Samar for Typhoon “Nona.”

The military condemned the incident, saying it would not hamper their ongoing operations.