CPP not keen on Christmas truce, orders attacks vs gov’t forces

DAVAO CITY –– Red fighters will continue to fight government forces during the Yuletide holiday, which is traditionally a time for cessation of hostilities.

On Wednesday, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said it is not declaring a Christmas truce, meeting head on a similar declaration by President Duterte.

“In the face of the vicious attacks by Duterte’s military and police forces both in the cities and countryside, the CPP Central Committee is forced to dispense with the traditional holiday ceasefire this year,” the group said in a statement.

“The Duterte regime’s relentless state terrorist attacks and horrific anti-communist onslaught against the people, however, make impossible a joyful holiday celebration this year,” the CPP added.

Instead of a stand-down, the CPP has ordered its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) to launch offensives against government forces.

In a public address last Dec. 7, the president said that for the government forces, there would be no Christmas truce as long as he is commander-in-chief.

“There will be no more ceasefire ever again under my term as President. For all intents and purposes, the ceasefire is dead,” the President said.

Traditionally, both parties issue their respective unilateral ceasefire declarations lasting throughout the Yuletide holiday.

Edited by LZB