PNP to remain on alert despite Reds’ unilateral ceasefire

Durana said the rebel group is simply too glaring and so obvious to ignore. (File Photo: PTV News/Website)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday announced that it will remain on alert and continue its regular law enforcement and internal security operations despite the communist movement’s announcement for a unilateral ceasefire during parts of the Christmas holidays.

“With a 50-year old deceptively obsolete ideology and a trail of bloody history behind them, the ruthless reputation of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front) precedes their every move and attempt to fool us some more that they just cannot be trusted ever,” PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana said in a statement.

Durana said the rebel group is simply too glaring and so obvious to ignore.

“We will not fall for their antics anymore. Instead, we will deny them every possible opportunity to harass and terrorize the communities, to recruit and kidnap children, and to reconsolidate their crippled ranks,” he added.

He also said the CPP-NPA-NDF cannot appeal to the people’s emotions and festive mood with their guns tucked behind their backs.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said if the CPP-NPA-NDF wants to declare a unilateral ceasefire, the military is “not inclined to recommend to the President a holiday truce this time.”

The communist movement’s ceasefire is slated to begin at 12:01 a.m. of Dec. 24 until 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 26, and on 12:01 a.m. of Dec. 31 to 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 1, 2019.