Luis Jalandoni, chair of the peace negotiating panel of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDFP) announced that the New People’s Army is in active defense mode to respond to the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte during his SONA last Monday.
In an interview in this morning’s Hataw Balita, Jalandoni said this means the rebel group has stopped its offensive operations against government security forces.
“The NPA is now on active defense mode. They don’t conduct offensive operations but observe and watch for the implementation of the AFP and PNP of the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Duterte,” Jalandoni said.
Jalandoni also said this is just a preparation of the unilateral ceasefire to be declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines central committee in the near future.
“Upon completion of reports coming from various provinces, the next response will be coming from the central committee of the CPP-NPA-NDFP, those would be the basis–the complete details on the grounds.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, however, reiterated their mandate prescribed by the constitution to remain at their posts and maintain peace and security in communities.
They said the offensive operations against the rebel groups is the only thing they suspend, in accordance with President Duterte’s declaration of unilateral ceasefire.
“We have no offensive operations being conducted against the NPA,” AFP spokesperson BGen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said in a phone interview.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya reminded the soldiers to be on guard and stay alert against possible attacks of lawless elements.
This, after alleged NPA members ambush military personnel withdrawing from their forward deployment in Davao del Norte yesterday.
One CAFGU was killed and four others were wounded.
The AFP assured its commitment and support to President Duterte’s peace efforts with the Leftist groups.
“The armed forces is serious in these efforts and to the directive of the commander-in-chief – the President. We don’t want to ruin the good start for the upcoming resumption of peace talks next month,” Padilla said.
Meanwhile, President Duterte gave the CPP until tonight to explain regarding the reported ambush conducted by the NPA members againts some government troops and threatened to lift the unilateral ceasefire he declared.
He made the statement during his visit at the AFP southern Luzon command in Lucena City.
(ROSALIE COZ/UNTV NEWS & RESCUE)
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