(Eagle News) — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he was not keen on recommending a ceasefire with the Communists during the holidays, saying they only declared a unilateral ceasefire for “propaganda” purposes.
“Ito po ay isang malaking kalokohan..We will not allow ourselves to fall into the same trap again,” Año said.
In the first place, he said “we have seen time and again the insincerity of the communists and their front organizations.”
For instance, he said the time the Communists’ ceasefire was in place was only used by the rebels to strengthen their ranks.
“Huwag sila puro ‘talkies.’ Kung talagang sinsero sila sa kapayapaan, matagal nang sinasabi ni Pangulong Duterte na bumalik si Joma Sison dito para sila mismo ang mag-usap,” he said. referring to the CPP founder.
“Sa puntong ito, huwag na nating sakyan ang mga palabas ng grupong ito,” he added.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he would not recommend a ceasefire with the Communist rebels during the holidays.
The Communists had said their unilateral ceasefire would be in place from 12:01 a.m. of December 24, 2018 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, 2018; and from 12:01 a.m. of December 31, 2018 to 11:59 p.m. of January 1, 2019.
“During the days covered by this temporary ceasefire declaration, all units of the (New People’s Army) and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military campaigns and operations against uniformed armed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” the CPP said.
It noted, however, that “all Red fighters and commanders shall maintain a high degree of militancy and vigilance against hostile actions or movements by enemy armed forces, including those laying siege on communities and subjecting people to armed suppression and violence in the guise of so-called ‘peace and development operations’ or ‘law enforcement,’ and those mounting combat operations with the aim of encircling units of the NPA.”
