By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The head of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) said yesterday morning that the New People’s Army (NPA) is trying their best to avoid encounters with the government forces in Negros Occidental.

In a radio interview, 303IBde commander, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte said the NPA is still not letting their guards down despite the heavy losses and significant weakening they experienced.

Pasaporte ordered his troops to remain on heightened alert as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) would celebrate their founding anniversary on December 26.

In the past, the NPA is known to have committed atrocities and perpetrated attacks against the local populace and government forces prior or during the CPP’s founding anniversary.

However, Pasaporte pointed out that attacks against the government forces would now be unlikely due to their aggressive pursuit against the group.

He added that they are also continuing their security operations to deter them from committing any atrocities during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that there are currently no discussions with the CPP-NPA regarding a possible Christmas ceasefire.

Colonel Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson, said it is not guaranteed that the rebels will honor a truce, pointing out that the CPP-NPA is currently having a “leadership crisis” following a series of setbacks such as the deaths of several high-ranking leaders.

However, Aguilar said they may impose a suspension of military operations in areas where the NPA doesn’t pose a serious threat.

He also said they are praying that the group will be allowed to go home to their families this holiday season and to think about abandoning the armed struggle./DGB, WDJ