AFP to abide with ceasefire with communist rebels despite attack in Camarines Norte

December 23, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will abide with the unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with the communist group despite the attack against  government troops in Camarines Norte on Monday.

“We will assure our people that we will abide by the provisions of the ceasefire,” said Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman.

“AFP Chief General Noel Clement directs all field commanders to observe faithfully the unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with CPP-NPA-NDF declared by the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

“They received orders directing them to stop all conduct of combat operations targeting terrorists in their hideouts,” he added.

However, Arevalo said government forces were still allowed to conduct patrols to secure their bases and area of responsibility.

“They may however conduct patrols that are intended to secure their bases and camps as well as the communities within their areas of responsibility,” he said.

“They may enforce arrest of persons who are illegally bearing firearms and doing unlawful acts like arson, extortion, and the likes,” he added.

Arevalo also noted that the “frontline unit commanders are ordered to be extra vigilant and their personnel very cautious and intensify intelligence gathering about possible attacks as they conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response during calamities or other non-combat mission from quarters who are out to sabotage the truce during the period.”

“We warn sternly violators to this armistice that we will deal with them under military rules and regulations enforce by the AFP,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS