Military still hoping rebels will surrender

THE MILITARY has not lost hope that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will lay down its arms and return to the fold of law even as the underground rebel group celebrates its founding anniversary on Saturday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines noted that while the forces of the communist rebels are waning, the fact that they bear arms is still a serious threat.

“We hope that eventually our brothers and sisters will come to their senses, lay down their arms and join the government in working for the betterment of our people,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla Jr.

The CPP is celebrating its 47th anniversary today as it observes a 12-day ceasefire on offensive attacks against government troops from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3.

The government, through the AFP and the Philippine National Police, has also declared a suspension on offensive operations against communist rebels for the same period.

Law enforcement

The AFP’s suspension of military operations will last from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3, while the PNP’s suspension of offensive police operations will be in effect from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1.

The government ceasefire will not cover law enforcement operations such as serving arrest or search warrants, as well as apprehension of criminals.

But at least three incidents of NPA attacks have been recorded since the NPA’s ceasefire took effect last Tuesday—one in Bukidnon, one in Davao City and another in Surigao del Sur.

The AFP has earlier branded the attacks as gross violations of the CPP’s self-declared unilateral ceasefire for the holidays.

As of the first quarter of 2015, the military has placed the strength of the NPA to be at 3,200.

Peace talks

“Although they are waning, the bearing of arms still poses a serious challenge,” Padilla noted.

The military and the PNP earlier called on the CPP and the NPA to abide by its self-declared ceasefire for the holidays.

Padilla said the government remains open to peace talks with the communist rebels.

“We remain open to the peace talks. Once these people see an alternative lifestyle and experience development, they will abandon insurgency,” the AFP spokesperson said.

The military assured that government troops will continue to abide by the government ceasefire earlier announced by President Aquino.