Government not inclined to call for ceasefire with Reds

For the first time in a long while, there may not be any Christmas ceasefire with the communist rebels.

In a statement yesterday, Malacañang said President Arroyo wanted to sustain the government’s momentum in the campaign against the 33-year-old communist insurgency.

"I will wait for the recommendation of my security officers, but I am not inclined," read the statement.

Some military officials said the New People’s’ Army (NPA) would just use the ceasefire to beef up its ranks so the rebels could attack government forces again after the holidays.

The NPA violates any declared ceasefire, the officials added.

Last Wednesday, NPA spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said in a statement the rebels may declare a unilateral ceasefire for Christmas as they have done in the past.

Rosal said he will be announcing within the next few days whether the NPA would be observing a ceasefire this Christmas.

However, Rosal said the relentless attacks of government troops against the NPA were making it hard for the rebels to decide in favor of a ceasefire declaration.

"Military attacks on (rebel positions) continue without letup," read the statement.

Rosal said any hope for a "meaningful ceasefire" and a peaceful celebration of Christmas has been "eliminated" because the Arroyo administration has not shown any goodwill.

"It has not shown any iota of goodwill, thus making it difficult for CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) to decide in favor of a ceasefire declaration this Christmas," he added.

Rosal said Mrs. Arroyo has "intentionally removed" whatever space is left for the nation and the troops in the field to celebrate Christmas peacefully.

"All the government is interested in is to attack and attack, Christmas or no Christmas," read the statement.

Rosal said the Arroyo administration is seeking US military help against the communist movement after the recent signing of the RP-US Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA). – Benjie Villa, Artemio Dumlao, AFP