AFP reiterates it will not recommend holiday ceasefire with CPP

December 4, 2020

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay reiterated that the military will not recommend the declaration of holiday truce and resumption of peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

"You know we have learned our lessons in the past. That's why the AFP right now is not recommending ceasefire, Christmas truce this coming holidays," Gapay said in a virtual press briefing with defense reporters on Friday.

"First of all they are not sincere here. In the past, we had ceasefire and they continue to attack, not only our security forces but even communities for the purpose of extortion. So there are many incidents," he said.

"As far as we are concerned, we are not recommending holiday truce, ceasefire this coming Christmas season, more so we are not recommending the continuation of the peace talks with the CPP NPA NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front)," he added.

Gapay said it is not the right time for ceasefire or peace talks as the numbers of the communist group are dwindling.

"What's the use of having ceasefire, and more so even peace talks? Peace talks they only buy time, respite from the pressures being provided by security forces on them especially during this time. Their capabilities are on the decline. Their numbers are dwindling and in fact we have their backs against the wall and this is not the right time to really impose or recommend such ceasefire or even peace talks," he said.

"So that once and for all we will permanently resolve this insurgency problem which has plagued our country for more than 50 years. We will not give them that time, that opportunity to relax, to rebuild... their capability, to recruit, to extort, they are weak and I think, and also the AFP and the security sector have gained momentum and it's just of a matter of time before we really put an end to this insurgency problem," he added. Robina Asido/DMS