CAMP Evangelista and Camp Alagar threat to carry out joint offensives against the New People’s Army in time for the Communist Party of the Philippines’ anniversary next week went pfft even before they could get past first base after President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels this Christmas.
Duterte announced the suspension of military operations against the communist rebels on Tuesday night.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the government ceasefire would run from Dec. 24, 2017 to Jan. 2, 2018, and the Palace expects the communist rebels to return the favor.
“This unilateral ceasefire would lessen the apprehension of the public this Christmas season,” Roque said in a statement. “Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of our countrymen. In the observance of this occasion, we hope that all Filipinos would stand together as one nation and aspire for peace in our beloved Philippines.”
Earlier, Duterte had said he was not keen on declaring a Christmas truce with the communist rebels following continued attacks against state security forces.
Supt. Lemuel Gonda and Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, Army and and police spokesmen here, lauded that pronouncement. They also announced that the military and police were preparing to launch the offensives in the region.
But on Tuesday night, Duterte said that “the ceasefire is a unilateral action of government to refrain from attacking.” (pna)
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