Soldiers in a forest of Divilacan, Isabela (File photo from PHILIPPINE ARMY 5TH INFANTRY DIVISION)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army is on alert ahead of the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26 (Thursday).
“Our troops on the frontlines are reminded to stay on alert and to conduct continuous internal security operations to ensure peace and order in their respective areas of operation in order for the Filipino people to celebrate this holiday season peacefully together with their families,” Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala told INQUIRER.net on Wednesday, Christmas Day.
Article continues after this advertisementHowever, Dema-ala said the Army does not see the need to declare a heightened alert for CPP’s anniversary.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Heavy to intense rains forecast in 4 Luzon areas from Dec. 26 to 28 NEWSINFO Not just ex-President Duterte: House panel flags VP Sara, too NEWSINFO Marcos OKs laws declaring special holidays in 9 areas“We are always on the alert, so no need to declare heightened alert,” he said.
gila4d slotUnlike in previous years, the CPP and the government did not declare a ceasefire this year.
Another record session Friday on Wall Street crowned a sixth weekly gain in a row, but failed to carry over into Monday and inspire a similar rally elsewhere.
Article continues after this advertisement“The Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army cannot declare a holiday ceasefire in the face of the Marcos regime’s relentless war of suppression, offensive military operations, and imposition of martial law in the countryside,” said CPP Spokesperson Marco Valbuena in a statement on December 17.
Article continues after this advertisementAs of December 2023, CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army, is now down to about 1,500 fighters, far from its peak of around 25,000 in 1987, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Article continues after this advertisementJose Maria Sison established the CPP on December 26, 1968, while the NPA was formed on March 29, 1969, waging the longest-running Maoist insurgency in the world.
In December 2022, Sison died at 83 years old during his self-exile in the Netherlands.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Jose Maria Sison, ‘teacher, guiding light’ of insurgency; 83
Currently, the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, is working to resume peace talks with the government.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter