Duterte “gives lot of weight” on military recommendation not to declare Christmas truce with Reds – Palace

December 3, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte is putting much weight on whatever recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially when it concerns the ceasefire with the communist New People's Army (NPA), Malacanang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after the AFP said that it would not recommend to Duterte to declare a truce with the communist rebels during the holiday season.

"I cannot second guess the decision of the President," he said in a televised press briefing in Palawan when asked if Duterte would adopt the recommendation of the military.

But he added, "what I can assure you is the President gives a lot of weight to such recommendation of the AFP."

"So, that will be heard but ultimately it's only the President who will decide," Roque said.

AFP Spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo said the military would not recommend to Duterte to declare a holiday ceasefire with the communist rebels due to their alleged "incapacity of sincerity and for being unfaithful to a covenant."

He accused the rebels of continued extortion and violence in the past despite the existence of a truce.

The Duterte administration has tagged the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA as terrorists. Celerina Monte/DMS