Palace: Gov’t ready for rebel attacks as CPP set to mark 50th anniversary

Philippine Army troops in North Cotabato, Mindanao. (FILE PHOTO BY JEOFFREY MAITEM/ INQUIRER MINDANAO)

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday said government troops are ready for any intensified insurgency activities the communist rebels may stage for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“We are ready for that. The President doesn’t have to make any orders. There has been—all laws, the requisite of it have been placed even prior,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“Meaning to say, the defense is ready for any eventuality,” he added.

Earlier, Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to decide whether or not to call for a temporary truce during the holidays. However, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have already expressed their opposition to a holiday truce with CPP’s armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA).

READ: Palace still undecided on ‘holiday truce’ but wants ‘permanent truce’ with Reds

On Wednesday, Duterte also said he was “no longer ready” to talk peace with the communists.

He even warned CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison that he will slap him if he returns to the country.

READ: Uncertain holiday truce: Duterte ‘no longer ready’ to talk peace with Reds

Duterte has initiated peace talks with the CPP but negotiations bogged down after some differences between the two parties. /kga