Military backs unilateral ceasefire with communists

March 19, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed full support on the president's declaration of unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) New People's Army (NPA) National Democratic Front (NDF).

"The AFP fully supports the President and Commander-in-Chief's declaration of government’s own ceasefire to take effect 00:00 of March 19, 2020 to last until 23:59 of April 15, 2020," AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said.

"By this declaration, the Commander-in-Chief shows clearly that he is willing to go beyond the usual means—including that of making temporary halt to hostilities with an arch-enemy of the state— if only to create the condition where troopers will not be attacked and the delivery of government services to and the provision of the needs of fellow Filipinos are unimpeded," he said.

"By the President’s action, the message is clear: the safety, health,  and well-being of our countrymen in the face of COVID-19  pandemic is primordial," he added.

Santos also call all the military personnel and reservist to continue their mission against the 2019 coronavirus disease.

"I call on every soldier, airmen, sailors, marines, and reservists to continue their keen focus on their mission to protect our people from and assist medical health practitioners in the fight against this dreaded disease," he said.

"We have been through ceasefire declarations in the past where the NPA disregards government’s good faith. While I direct the troops to observe guarded optimism, your AFP will not be deterred by similar treacherous attacks by Communist Terrorist Group," said Santos.

"We will be there where and when we are needed," he added. Robina Asido/DMS