AFP now on red alert after lifting of ceasefire order

Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Photo: AFP’s Facebook page)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines is now on red alert after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire order with the New People’s Army (NPA) last July 30.

“(Red alert) was declared last Saturday since the SOMO (suspension-of-military offensive) was cancelled),” AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

“(Lifting of red alert) will depend on the Commander-in-Chief and the prevailing situation,” he added.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs office chief, said the entire military was placed under red alert starting 7 p.m. last Saturday.

Red alert requires 100 percent availability of all troops and equipment.

Pres. Duterte declared the unilateral ceasefire against the rebels during his first State-of-the-Nation Address last July 25 in line with achieving the government’s goal of final and lasting peace.

However, he withdrew the ceasefire after the 5 p.m. deadline lapsed without reciprocation from the rebels.

Prior to the deadline, the President also demanded an explanation from the rebels regarding the July 27 attack against militia units in Kapalong, Davao del Norte which killed one and wounded four others.