MANILA – The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) insisted it did not violate the Christmas ceasefire between the rebels and the government amid the reported encounter in Tubungan, Iloilo last Dec. 23.
Fidel Agcaoili, chairperson of NDFP’s
negotiating panel, said in a statement the rebels only defended themselves when
they ambushed the policemen.
Aside from Tubungan town, another attack occurred in Bicol, the same day
President Rodrigo Duterte approved the ceasefire recommended, which will lasts
until Jan. 7, 2020.
“These were defensive actions by the NPA units involved in the face of armed
attacks and sustained military operations by the AFP (Armed Forces of the
Philippines) and the PNP *(Philippine National Police) as attested to in
separate statements issued by the Romulo Jallores Command, New People’s Army,
Bicol, and the Napoleon Tumagtang Command, New People’s Army, Southern Panay,”
the NDFP said.
“The statements belie the malicious charges in the press releases earlier
issued by the concerned units of the AFP and PNP on the incidents,” it added.
According to Agcaoili, the NDFP has yet to receive copies of the SOMO
(Suspension of Military Operations) and SOPO (Suspension of Police Operations)
to be issued by the military and the police.
Police forces in Western Visayas decried the attack on policemen at the village
of Singon in Tubungan, which was claimed to be done by the New People’s Army
(NPA).
Two policemen, who were on their way home after operations against the rebels,
suffered minor injuries following the NPA ambush.
The government and the Communist Party of the Philippines have declared 15-day
ceasefire for the holiday season and have recently gave life to a possible
resumption of peace talks./PN
