DND says suspension of military operation vs NPAs is not continuous

December 21, 2017

The Department of National Defense (DND) officially declared the implementation of the suspension of military operation during the observance of the holiday seasons.

In a press release issued Thursday, DND Public Affair Service Chief Arsenio Andolong clarifies the implementation of ceasefire from Christmas up to New Year is not continuous.

“As directed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Department of National Defense announces the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire against the CPP/NPA by the AFP from 6:00 pm, 23 December to 6:00 pm, 26 December 2017, and 6:00 pm, 30 December 2017 to 6:00 pm, 2 January 2018,” he said.

“It is not continuous, I do not know why, but that was the guidance as of last night, so we now release a statement,” Andolong added.

With the declaration of unilateral ceasefire, the DND calls on the rebels to use the period to reflect and ordered the government troops to remain vigilant during the holiday season.

“We urge those who are waging war against our sovereign government and inflicting harm on the Filipino people to spend this period in reflection and seriously reconsider returning to the fold of law,” he said.

“We also direct our defenders to maintain their vigilance and be mindful of their safety in their areas of responsibility during the ceasefire,” Andolong added.

Andolong said the government also asked for the cooperation of the public to ensure the safety of civilian communities during the truce.

“Finally, we encourage our citizens to cooperate and stand with our defenders who are ensuring peace and security in all of our communities,” he said.

Andolong confirmed that it was not the secretary of national defense who recommend the declaration of unilateral ceasefire but he noted that the declaration was made not for the rebels but to give the soldiers a chance to rest.

“I am not privy to that (who recommend) but I think it was tackled in the cabinet… some of them recommended to the president and the president waded and he decided to have a unilateral ceasefire but he clarify that it is not for the NPA but this is for the benefit of our soldiers,” he said.

“So that those who want to take their leave can have rest and recreation with their families” Andolong added.

It can be recalled that DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has previously mentioned he will not recommend the declaration of ceasefire during this holiday season.

Andolong said although the government troops are not allowed to conduct combat operations against the rebels during the ceasefire the military will be in defensive mode against possible attacks.

“We will not conduct operations outside our camps but we are on the defensive,” he said.

Andolong noted  the government is not expecting the Communist group to declare their own ceasefire but he admits that he is hoping that the left will do the same. Robina Asido/DMS