CPP begins holiday ceasefire

THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said its unilateral holiday ceasefire began on Wednesday, a declaration that put Maoist rebels on the defensive amid clashes with government forces in the countryside.

While units of the CPP’s New People’s Army (NPA) will refrain from launching offensive operations, the Philippine Army said it will continue pursuing the Maoist rebels, describing them as a weak and depleted force.

“They are not a force to reckon with, they are just bandits,” Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala told reporters in a Viber message.

The NPA, which is waging one of the world’s longest‑running insurgencies, has significantly weakened since its peak in the 1980s. Armed communist fighters have dwindled to about 780 from about 25,000 at the height of the rebellion, according to government data released earlier this month.

In a statement last week, The CPP said it would cease hostilities from Dec. 25 to 26 and again from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1 to mark the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as the group’s anniversary celebrations.

The Defense department had dismissed the announcement as a “sad propaganda stunt,” saying the armed forces would continue its security operations throughout the holidays.

The CPP said on Wednesday the NPA must remain prepared to defend itself should the military launch attacks.

“This clearly demonstrates Marcos’ bloodlust and his intent to disrupt the Filipino people’s traditional holiday celebrations,” CPP Chief Information Officer Marco L. Valbuena said. “He has nothing to offer the people during this season but bullets and bombs.”

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio