MANILA — Despite repeated attacks by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during Christmas truce, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday said it is still very much committed to uphold the suspension of military operation (SOMO) during the New Year.
In a message, AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said the AFP “is committed to uphold the SOMO scheduled on Dec. 30, 2017 to Jan. 2, 2018.”
As a matter of “policy and principle”, Arevalo said the military will continue to follow orders and guidelines under the ceasefire declaration.
He added that the AFP remains steadfast in protecting the public and all vulnerable communities from treacherous attacks of the NPA.
“The public (is) rest assured that as they celebrate New Year, our soldiers will be there to guard peace as our units on the ground maintain their active defense posture to prevent NPA atrocities against our communities,” Arevalo said.
The New Year’s SOMO started on 6 p.m. of Dec. 30 and will end 6 p.m. on Jan. 2.
“Our soldiers, all year-round commit to foil the evil plans of the CPP-NPA-NDF. The AFP will be together with the people,” Arevalo said.
Arevalo also urged all Filipinos to unite against the anti-people NPA extortion gang disguised as “fake revolution,” and called on the remaining members of the NPA to surrender and take the road of peace for the betterment of the country. (PNA)
