CPP announced unilateral 4-day ceasefire ahead of the holidays

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
December 23, 2025

CEASEFIRE. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced a four-day ceasefire on Dec. 15 ahead of the holidays, directing units of the New People’s Army (NPA) to remain on high alert. (File Photo: NTF-ELCAC)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 15 has issued a four-day ceasefire for the Christmas and the New Year periods, ordering units of the New People’s Army (NPA) to be in “active defense mode” against military operations.

The ceasefire will take effect from 12 a.m. on Dec. 25 to 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 26, and 12 a.m. on Dec. 31 to 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.

“This temporary ceasefire order is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people as they conduct simple celebrations of their traditional holidays … This is also to mark the 57th anniversary of the Party (December 26),” according to the party.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), meanwhile, called the CPP’s statement a “propaganda”, citing “military responsibilities are continuous and are not subject to unilateral pronouncements by armed groups.”

AFP Spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla assured the public that the military is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in observation of the holidays.

“Military responsibilities are continuous.

The AFP will carry on with its operations and sustain close coordination with the Philippine National Police to ensure peace and order throughout the holiday period,” she said.