AFP recommends Christmas ceasefire with NPA

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. has recommended a four-day suspension of military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) during the Christmas holidays.

However, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Arroyo has not yet decided whether to order a Christmas truce with the NPA.

"None (ceasefire) is being contemplated right now," he told reporters yesterday. "I just spoke with General Esperon, and he never spoke to me about any such thoughts on calling for a limited ceasefire during the holiday."

In an interview at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, Esperon said he has asked President Arroyo to suspend military offensives on Christmas Eve until Christmas Day, and on New Year’s Eve until New Year’s Day.

"The suspension of offensive military operations has always been our recommendation, without prejudice to any peace negotiation, but as I said, from where the President is, she has (been receiving) a lot of other inputs," he said.

On the other hand, the military would continue offensives against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao, he added.

Earlier, Esperon said that there should be no ceasefire with the NPA, which is considered as a terrorist group, on grounds that the government’s counter-terrorism efforts should have no letup.

However, if the political leadership decides to declare a truce with communist rebels the AFP would comply, he added.

Esperon said even if a suspension of military operations would be declared, troops in the frontlines would still be manning their posts, as they would be allowed to go on holiday break on a staggered basis.

"On Christmas, one third of the troops would be allowed to go on a break, the same would be applied for the New Year and the rest would take their vacation after New Year," he said.

Last year, Malacañang suspended military operations for four days on the same dates that Esperon has proposed. — James Mananghaya, Paolo Romero