No holiday ceasefire with CPP-NPA—PNP spox

NO holiday ceasefire.

The Philippine National Police will not recommend to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. a ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, this holiday season.

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said the police organization will not lower its guard especially after an encounter between members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and NPA in Batangas.

“Wala po tayong irerekomenda so far para magkaroon ng ceasefire for this holiday season at kamakailan lang dito sa Batangas ay nagkaroon ng engkwentro between the members of NPA at ‘yung ating mga kasamahan sa AFP at merong namatay at nasugatan sa hanay ng ating government forces,” she said.

One soldier was killed while three others were hurt in the encounter.

Fajardo said the PNP is also on alert for the CPP-NPA’s anniversary on December 26.

“Kasama ito sa pinaghahandaan natin, we will not lower our guards, alam natin na magkakaroon at magse-celebrate sila ng anniversary nitong December 26,” she said.

She further said additional personnel have been deployed to police stations in far-flung provinces, especially in areas vulnerable to NPA attacks.

“Katuwang ang AFP to make sure na hindi tayo malulusutan ng mga banta sa seguridad including ‘yung police stations at detachments,” she said.