Sunday, January 2, 2011

Military to end Yuletide truce with Reds

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is now gearing up its operations against communist rebels as it ends yuletide truce with the New People’s Army.

AFP Chief of Staff Ricardo A. David, Jr. called on the men and women of the armed forces to be on guard as the suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) is expected to end tomorrow January 3.

The AFP leadership declared SOMO last December 16, 2010 as a gesture of ‘winning the peace’ and permanently put an end to armed conflict.

However, the declaration of SOMO did not preclude the military forces in taking appropriate actions in self-defense as well as protecting the people from armed threats.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) also decried numerous ceasefire violations by the military.

According to the CPP, local mass organizations and NPA units have reported that the AFP continues to carry out aggressive operations in guerrilla fronts.

With the non-extension of the ceasefire between government forces and communist rebels, renewed hostilities are expected with both sides already trading allegations of ceasefire violations. (PIA-NCR/jeg)

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