AFP violating Duterte ceasefire order: NPA

54^th IB ups Ifugao operations 

TINOC, Ifugao -- The New People’s Army said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is violating President Duterte’s ceasefire order nationwide like in Ifugao. 

“Had the film version of the hero Heneral Luna been real and alive today, frequently and irreverently invoking the famous Kapitulo Uno of that era, then the present Philippine Army would be in hot water. Despite their commander-in-chief’s order to suspend all military operations in respect for the resumption of the peace negotiations, its infantry battalions continue to hunt NPA units and terrorize the peasant masses in the process. Clearly, this is insubordination to Rodrigo Duterte and subservience to those who aim to impede the peace talks,” said Ka Wigan Moncontad of NPA’s Nona Del Rosario Command- Ifugao. He said both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the revolutionary organization, represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines has declared unilateral ceasefire orders. Yet, as of press time, 10 columns from the 54^th Infantry Battalion and other units are still in their search and destroy operations in the municipalities of Asipulo and Tinoc and in Ambagio, Nueva Vizcaya.

The estimated battalion-strong operation has been reportedly ongoing for more than a week now, an intensification of a preceding military incursion wherein an encounter with the Ifugao NPA ensued because of the latter’s presence in the Red area.

Moncontad raised questions on who is really giving commands to the Philippine Army through the AFP.

            “The Duterte administration’s pursuit of peace, naturally, does not sit well with rabid anti-communists such as militarists and lackeys to imperialist powers and the AFP has long been lapdogs of US imperialism. The US government would use everything in its disposal to obstruct the road to just and lasting peace,” Macontad said.

“During Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term, it listed NDFP chief consultant Jose Maria Sison, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA as foreign terrorist and terrorist organizations. The minion Macapagal-Arroyo then supported these unjust accusations thus effectively severing all hopes of achieving peace. Another toady, Noynoy Aquino, then went through the motions of returning to the negotiating table but never really pursued peace. Imperialist powers must be frustrated with the volatile and variable Duterte. Still, it has its trusted vile lapdogs among the AFP.”

He added that the “establishment of the Joint US Military Advisory Group, repeated Balikatan exercises all over the country, Aquino’s unlawful Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and his anti-revolutionary program called Oplan Bayanihan patterned after the US counter-insurgency guide. These are but a few glaring examples of the US’ tenacious grip on the Philippines’ political-military affairs.”

This August, Norway is where the GPH and the NDFP once again discuss the root causes of the armed revolution and the socio-economic reforms to address them. The spokesperson explained that the US has very significant interests in the Philippines, economically and politically, so it cannot allow the peace talks to prosper.

Moncontad said while the CPP lauds the Duterte administration for declaring an indefinite ceasefire, it should still ensure that the order is being carried out in the ground.

“Although the CPP limits its own order to a mere week, all troops obey the command. This is a hundred percent guaranteed. That the AFP violates its ceasefire order, even intensifies operations, does not encourage the CPP to prolong it to more than a week. Instead, the NPA is ordered to adapt an active defense mode in light of the enemy’s continuing attacks inside guerilla fronts.”

The NDRC also commended the administration for the temporary release of NDFP consultants who are necessary to the peace talks but said that this would not be enough.

“General amnesty for all political prisoners is necessary. All revolutionary forces are adamant to see if the Duterte government will follow through. Meanwhile, he should check all his forces and have commanding officers account for their whereabouts during the last few weeks. He must not let his words “change is coming” remain a mere slogan.”