The military is not inclined to recommend a halt in its operations against the New People’s Army, despite an earlier statement by Communist founder Jose Maria Sison that the rebels will go on a Christmas cease-fire with the government.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana rejected any cease-fire with the rebels, meaning there would be no break in the military’s offensive operations against the NPA during Christmas and even on New Year.
“That’s their call. We are not keen on a cease-fire,” the defense chief said when asked about the statement of Sison that the rebels will halt their operations during the holiday season.
In the past, both groups have marked the holiday season with a truce, with the government declaring a Suspension of Offensive Military Operations and Suspension of Offensive Police Operations.