AFP on full alert for possible attacks during CPP anniversary

Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP Public Information Office (Photo from his Facebook page)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was on full alert for communist rebels’ possible attacks as the Communist Party of the Philippines celebrates its founding anniversary on Tuesday.

“Their celebration is usually accompanied by armed attacks against the people that reflect the CPP-New People’s Army’s true color as a criminal organization void of any ideology,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo.

He said the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front has lost its ideological mooring and all their actions reflect a terrorist organization contrary to their claims.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the NPA as a terrorist organization after he scrapped the peace talks with the rebels.

Arevalo said they will abide by the government’s suspended military operations for the holiday season.

The government declared a ceasefire from p.m. Dec. 23 to 6 p.m. Dec. 26; and 6 p.m. Dec. 30 to 6 p.m. Jan.2. A separate ceasefire was also declared by the NPA but at the same period.

Arevalo also urged the rebels to return to the government fold, be with their families, and become productive citizens. /je