AFP chief: ‘We will be extra cautious’ despite ceasefire

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The military said it will be “extra cautious and more defensive” in its operations against communist rebels during the holidays amid the unilateral truce.

“We will be extra cautious and more defensive, alert during times na hindi naka-declare yung ceasefire sa Manila,” Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. told reporters.

This was after the Communist Party of the Philippines rebels announced on Wednesday their own staggered dates for ceasefire during the holidays and Pope Francis’ visit:

12:01 a.m. of December 24, 2014 to 11:59 pm of December 26, 2014;

12:01 a.m. of December 31, 2014 to 11:59 pm of January 1, 2015; and

12:01 a.m. of January 15, 2015 to 11:59 pm of January 19, 2015.

But the military said last Monday that it will declare a month-long ceasefire staring at midnight on Dec. 18 to midnight on Jan. 19.

“Sana binuo na nila para patas kami. As of now medyo butas-butas. So yung oras na hindi sila nag-declare sila ng ceasefire nakaalerto kami,” Catapang said.

The CPP will also celebrate their 46th anniversary on December 26 and Catapang expressed hope that there will be no “untoward or offensive operation” against their troops.