MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) have dismissed as propaganda a unilateral holiday ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), vowing to sustain full-scale security operations nationwide throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
The CPP announced a four-day ceasefire for its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), in observance of its 57th founding anniversary and the holiday season.
In a statement released Monday, the CPP Central Committee said it ordered all NPA units to suspend offensive actions from 12 a.m. on December 25 until 11:59 p.m. on December 26, 2025, and from 12 a.m. on December 31, 2025 until 11:59 p.m. on January 1, 2026.
The rebel group said its forces would instead shift to an “active defense mode” during the period, citing continued military operations by government troops.
“This temporary ceasefire order is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people as they conduct simple celebrations of their traditional holidays, amid grave social and economic conditions,” the CPP said.
Military officials, however, flatly rejected the announcement, stressing that government security operations are not dictated by unilateral declarations from armed groups.
“Military responsibilities are continuous and are not subject to unilateral pronouncements by armed groups,” AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said.
“In close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, the AFP will continue lawful security operations to ensure peace and order and prevent armed groups from exploiting the situation to regroup, rearm, or threaten public safety,” he added.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla reiterated that the military would remain focused on its mandate throughout the holiday season.
“Military responsibilities are continuous. The AFP will carry on with its operations and sustain close coordination with the Philippine National Police to ensure peace and order throughout the holiday period,” she said.
The Department of National Defense likewise brushed aside the CPP’s move, calling it a “sad propaganda stunt.”
“Military duties are not subject to pause or seasons, thus the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall continue to support the Philippine National Police in keeping peace and order this holiday season,” the DND said./PN
