Palace stood firm on Sunday in not declaring a truce with the New People’s Army (NPA) this Christmas season.
“The decision not to declare a suspension of military operations (Somo) with the members of the New People’s Army over the Christmas holidays stays,” Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
Roque said that the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA was “notorious” in conducing attacks despite of declaring a ceasefire.
“Declaring a SOMO now is not to the nation’s best interest as it would only expose our defenders to enemy attacks and embolden them to commit more atrocities, especially during their anniversary,” he said.
“However, we do not discount possibilities that there may be circumstances that may arise for government to reconsider its present position,” Roque added.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced that there will be no ceasefire between the government and the communists rebels.
“Wala na (No more). It’s an off and on thing which has become an endurance contest,” Duterte said last Nov. 21. /je
READ: Duterte: No more ceasefire with NPA this Christmas