AFP vows vigilance as CPP-declared truce ends

MANILA, Philippines - The military vowed to be vigilant against possible attacks by insurgents as the six-day holiday ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ended on Thursday.

Government forces, however, cannot launch offensives just yet as the truce declared by Malacañang will continue to be in effect until Jan. 15.

“We will continue with the suspension of military operations against them. However we will maintain our active defense,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in an interview.

“We will continue our active defense and protect our soldiers and our camps,” he added.

The CPP declared a truce that took effect from Dec. 24 to 26 and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2. The government reciprocated the declaration by implementing a longer truce that started last Dec. 21 until Jan. 15.

The military and the rebels traded accusations of truce violations.

Security officials said one soldier was killed after New People’s Army (NPA) members attacked a military team in Impasugong, Bukidnon, last Dec. 26, the third day of the holiday truce declared by CPP.

Communists, however, said the military violated the ceasefire by deploying additional troops and assets in Southern Mindanao.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) said the Army has boosted its presence in parts of Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

The military, however, denied violating the ceasefire and claimed that the deployment of troops was meant to protect people from threats.

In its New Year statement, the CPP said its armed units would continue to “undertake more frequent tactical offensives.”

“This year, every NPA command must gun for a record increase in the number of weapons seized from the reactionary military, paramilitary and police forces,” the group said.

CPP also claimed that the military’s security plan Bayanihan had failed to weaken the strength of the NPA.

“As 2013 ends, we can conclusively declare the defeat of the Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan which failed in its declared aim of reducing the armed strength of the New People’s Army to inconsequentiality by the middle of this year,” it said.

Bayanihan, which took effect in 2011, seeks to end insurgency by curbing its roots like poverty and lack of access to basic services.

The military, however, insisted that it achieved “great successes” last year.

“The year 2013 has been another time of distinguished service to our nation in fulfillment of our mandate as protector of the people and the state,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said in his New Year message.

“We were also confronted with great challenges that tested our strength and resolve. But through our collective effort, we were able to meet these challenges; and our nation emerged more peaceful, and more secure, he added.