AFP awaits Duterte’s order in wake of CPP ceasefire plan

Despite the pronouncement of the Communist Party of the Philippines that it will be declaring a ceasefire by the end of this month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will first await orders from President Rodrigo Duterte before stopping operations against the insurgents. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA—Despite the pronouncement of the Communist Party of the Philippines that it will be declaring a ceasefire by the end of this month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will first await orders from President Rodrigo Duterte before stopping operations against the insurgents.

“It depends on the President. We shall await for his decision. The CPP (New People’s Army) declaration for unilateral ceasefire is useless if they continue to extort money and burn equipment and properties,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said Sunday.

He added the AFP and the Philippine National Police will not allow the CPP-NPA to violate the law and imperil lives of innocent people in the communities.

Duterte earlier ordered the lifting of the government ceasefire last February following the series of unprovoked NPA attacks that resulted in the death of six soldiers and abduction of three others.

This took place following the rebel announcement that they are lifting their truce effective 11:59 p.m. Feb. 10.