Military won’t give in to holiday truce pleas

The military is not inclined to give in to a Christmas truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) despite calls by some groups, including the Church. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The military is not inclined to give in to a Christmas truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) despite calls by some groups, including the Church.

This, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo late Sunday.

“The AFP supports the wisdom and wise discretion of the CinC (Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte). He has already declared that there will be no unilateral ceasefire this December. The SND (Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana) has made a similar announcement of his position on the matter,” he added.

In the wake of continued NPA attacks, Arevalo said they see no difference this Christmas season.

The DND chief earlier said he cannot recommend a “suspension of military operation” against as the CPP-NPA-NDF vowed to intensify attacks against military targets in wake of Proclamation 360 that terminated peace talks and negotiations with the latter.

President Duterte signed the proclamation last November 23.