The government believes that the New People’s Army’s unilateral ceasefire declaration is merely "propaganda" by a terrorist group.
The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that they will continue their military operations throughout the Christmas season despite the unilateral ceasefire declaration announced by the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPP-NPA).
According to RH Edniel Parrosa's report, the DND said it views the ceasefire announcement as a publicity move by a terrorist organization and maintained that security operations will not be suspended.
In a statement released, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong emphasized that the AFP remains committed to its mandate, including supporting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining peace and order during the holiday season.
“The CPP statement should be taken as it is—a sad propaganda stunt of a terrorist organization,” the DND said.
“Military duties are not subject to pause or seasons, thus the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall continue to support the Philippine National Police in keeping peace and order this holiday season,” it added.
Despite rejecting the ceasefire declaration, the DND reiterated its call for remaining NPA members to abandon armed struggle and pursue peaceful means toward “lasting peace and development.”
For several years now, the government has consistently ignored ceasefire declarations by the CPP-NPA, citing the rebels’ alleged failure to honor such commitments on the ground.
Authorities also noted that there are reportedly no remaining active guerrilla fronts operated by the communist-terrorist group.
However, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) acknowledged that around 780 NPA members are still present and are attempting to reintegrate into communities at the barangay level.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuano said the matter is still being discussed internally at Camp Crame, indicating that coordination and assessments are ongoing amid the announced ceasefire.
