CAMP Evangelista has accused the New People’s Army (NPA) of violating its own Yuletide truce when rebels allegedly fired at government troops stationed at the outskirts of Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur early this week. Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the unprovoked attack took place at 9:30 am on Wednesday. The engaged troops are from the 2nd Special Forces Battalion. The soldiers are deployed in San Miguel town to help facilitate the delivery of development programs and services in the community, he said. Martinez said government forces managed to repel the attack, and forced the rebels to retreat. Troops immediately pursued the NPA. The military said another firefight ensued near the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) earlier declared a 12-day unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 23 until Jan. 3, 2016. The Armed Forces also declared a unilateral ceasefire effective Dec. 23. It will also end on Jan. 3, 2016.