Reds ending unilateral ceasefire won’t affect AFP, says Lorenzana

DAVAO CITY – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the termination by the Communist Party of the Philippines of its unilateral ceasefire effective February 10 will not affect the government’s ceasefire declaration.

“If the CPP-NPA will terminate or stop their unilateral ceasefire, it is up to them. It will not affect the (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” Lorenzana said in a statement distributed to reporters here.

READ: Communist rebels to terminate unilateral ceasefire

Lorenzana said the Armed Forces of the Philippines will not initiate attacks against the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Our troops will not actively operate against the NPA while our ceasefire is in effect,” he said, adding that in the absence of any instruction from President Duterte, the Defense department will continue to observe the government unilateral ceasefire.

But Lorenzana added that the military will continue to “maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever they are.”

“We do not recognize any areas under NPA control nor are they allowed to roam around with their firearms intimidating people,” he added.

Lorenzana also accused the NPA of violating its own truce by staging attacks and extortion.

“…despite their declared ceasefire they have not stopped extorting under the guise of their so-called revolutionary taxation, went on recruiting, burning buses and equipment, ambushing and kidnapping soldiers,” he said. JE