Holiday ceasefire

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province – Local folks in “war zones” particularly in northern barangays of this of this tourist town like Bangaan, often the site of numerous clashes between government forces and the New People’s Army over the years are now spending their holidays in peace. 

Thanks to the ceasefire the Duterte administration and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) declared on Dec. 22 that took effect the next day and will last until Jan. 7 next year.

This is welcome news particularly in “war zones” where clashes between the two are rampant. Sagada, despite being known for its peaceful atmosphere, had been the scene of numerous clashes between government and CPP-NPA forces which had resulted to numerous deaths over the years.

In the Cordillera, provinces clash sites between the two forces included Kalinga, Ifugao, Abra and Mountain Province. Somehow, encounters and firefights had lessened. In Apayao. Marag Valley, a former NPA stronghold is now becoming a tourist site. Baguio City is one area where no armed clashes had been reported over the years.

This holiday season should be a peaceful one in “war zones.”

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The first to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration was the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines hereby orders all commands and units of the New People’s Army and the people’s militias a nationwide ceasefire order that will take effect from 00:00H of 23 December 2019 to 23:59H of 7 January 2020,” a CPP statement released on Dec. 22 said.

"This ceasefire order shall take effect upon issuance of the corresponding and reciprocal ceasefire orders in the form of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Police Operations (SOPO) to be issued by the Government of the Philippines," the CPP added.

Malacañang reciprocated in a separate statement.

"The Chief Executive has instructed the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, to issue an official declaration therefor and communicate the directive for a national armistice with the CPP-NPA-NDF to their respective agents and armed units for due observance during the period," Malacañang said.

With this, Malacañang said the President was looking forward to "the possible resumption of peace talks" with the CPP's political arm, the National Democratic Front, and "attain a lasting peace among the citizenry of our country."

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In a statement on Dec. 23, the Department of National Defense said units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been given directives to observe the ceasefire, following Duterte's declaration.

"The AFP will remain on alert, and stand ready to respond to any threats to the safety and security of our communities," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

The communist guerillas have been waging a protracted war for more than 50 years now.

"The President wishes that all Filipinos enjoy quietude and serenity as they celebrate the Holiday Season with their loved ones free from violence or any form of disruption," the statement added.

The ceasefire declaration follows a recommendation signed by representatives of President Duterte and the NDF who held backchannel talks in Utrecht, according to a Rappler report.

It also comes in the wake of several months of violent clashes between the military and the NPA that have killed scores from both sides. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire, too.

For now, the ceasefire stands. With the coming of the new year, it would be welcome news if both sides hold peace talks to address issues besetting the country and make this Banana Republic move forward for the better.

After Jan. 7, it would be back to “normal” for both forces to engage each other in hostilities if no peace talks would ensue

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Even then, Happy New Year to all!