File photo.
QUEZON CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fully supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the leftists, yesterday at his first State of the Nation Address or SONA.
AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. says the armed forces are willing to follow the President’s directive to stop the offensive operations against members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front.
“We immediately issue guidance to our units all over the country from Aparri to Jolo to inform them about the suspension of military operations right after the President’s declaration,” Padilla said.
However, military personnel remain alert in defending themselves against possible attacks from communist groups.
The AFP also clarifies they won’t be pulling out personnel especially in communities and places where security threats are present.
The Lumads have long appealed for the demilitarization of their communities.
“What will happen is we will suspend and stop our offensive operations against the NPA. But this does not mean our soldiers will go back to their barracks just like what others know. That is not the case,” Padilla said.
The military is hoping that the Leftists will reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire declaration of the Philippine government to attain lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front, Luis Jalandoni affirmed their determination to reciprocate and work for a just and lasting peace after receiving the full text of the declaration.
He also expects for the next step of the government to release all current political prisoners.
From August 20 to 27, the resumption of formal peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP will be held in Oslo, Norway.
Meanwhile, the military will maintain its intensified offensive operations against the terrorist and bandit group Abu Sayyaf.
(ROSALIE COZ/UNTV NEWS & RESCUE)
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