By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has not recognized the declaration of a two-day unilateral ceasefire by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for its 55th anniversary yesterday.
Lt. Colonel J-jay Javines, 3ID spokesperson, said there was no ceasefire on their part, as they did not declare a truce with the rebels.
“The CPP-NPA has no capability to declare a ceasefire because their forces are weak right now,” Javines said.
He further stated that declaring a ceasefire would only give the NPA a chance to recover and gather more members.
Javines said the insurgents in Negros are in their “last hurrah” as the Army will intensify their counter-insurgency operations against them, particularly those in the hinterland areas.
“The insurgency problem must be stopped at all costs,” he added.
Javines also said the NPA is on its “last breath” as their units which used to vie for dominance have now collapsed.
He stressed that now is the time to conclude the insurgency problem, and the NPA should not be given any more opportunities to recover.
The 3ID spokesperson said they are targeting to declare Negros Island as insurgency-free by the first quarter of 2024.
Currently, the military has not monitored any significant terror plans, as CPP-NPA celebrated its anniversary yesterday.
However, the Philippine Army remains cautious as the insurgents are still a threat based on their historical patterns.
The 3ID earlier reported that for this year, 90 armed engagements led to the neutralization of 236 NPA leaders and members in the Visayas.
At least 57 had been killed in encounters, 164 surrendered, 15 were apprehended, and 192 assorted guns were recovered.
The CPP-NPA’s unilateral ceasefire started past midnight on Monday, December 25 until yesterday.
“This ceasefire declaration is in solidarity with people’s traditional holiday celebrations,” the CPP-NPA said.
The group said that they will “act in self-defense to counter and frustrate any hostile movement or actions of enemy units within the scope of the NPA’s guerrilla fronts and areas of operations.”/DGB, WDJ