AFP welcomes Duterte’s demand for explanation of NPA attack

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday welcomed the move of President Rodrigo Duterte to demand an explanation from the Communist Party of the Philippines regarding the recent ambush in Davao del Norte, two days after he declared a unilateral ceasefire.

“That was a welcome move from the Commander-in-Chief whose orders the AFP march onwards to the road to combat operations or the path to peace,” AFP public affairs chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo said.

On Thursday, Duterte said he would cancel the unilateral ceasefire he declared during his first State of the Nation Address if the CPP would not give an explanation on the New People’s Army ambush of government militia, which killed one and injured four others.

READ: Duterte to NPA: Explain attack or I will cancel ceasefire

“By his stern demand for an explanation, President Duterte did not only send strong signals that he is sincere to end the years of strife by being the first to extend the hand for peace; he also underscored that those who truly desire peace must manifest in unmistakable acts their adherence to that quest,” Arevalo said. CDG/rga

READ: Communists ask Duterte: Give us time to probe NPA attack

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