DND, AFP reject CPP holiday truce

The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday dismissed as a “propaganda stunt” the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) declaration of a four-day holiday ceasefire as military operations continue unabated to keep communities safe during the Christmas and New Year period.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

In a statement, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said military duties “are not subject to pause or seasons”. He stressed that the AFP will continue supporting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining peace and order nationwide.

“The CPP statement should be taken as it is—a sad propaganda stunt of a terrorist organization,” Andolong said.

Nonetheless, he reiterated the government’s call for remaining New People’s Army (NPA) members to abandon violence and pursue lawful paths toward peace and development.

Meanwhile, the AFP echoed the position of the DND as it underscored that the military’s constitutional mandate remains uninterrupted despite unilateral pronouncements by armed groups.