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FOLLOWING DUTERTE'S DIRECTIVE

AFP suspends military ops vs. NPA rebels


The Armed Forces of the Philippines has ordered all commanders of unified commands, major services, and AFP-wide service support groups to suspend military operations against communist rebels effective Tuesday.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya issued the directive upon the unilateral ceasefire declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) in his State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

"The [Suspension of Military Operations] covers the cessation of all military offensives against the CNN particularly its armed  group the New People's Army including the conduct of combat maneuvers that may be construed as provocative acts that may be deemed violative of the SOMO," Visaya said in a statement.

"While the SOMO is in effect, however, the AFP shall continue to perform its mandate of protecting the communities and its people from terrorist groups; secure and protect from attacks or sabotage vital government facilities, military camps, infrastructures, and projects," the statement added.

"The AFP shall likewise continue to support Law enforcement operations to help ensure unhampered flow of social, cultural, religious, political, and economic activities of the people and the delivery by the LGUs, LGAs, and NGOs to the communities." 

In his SONA, Duterte said he aims for a "permanent and lasting peace" before his term ends in 2022. 

The AFP quickly expressed its support for the president's declaration

"The Commander in Chief has initiated a very bold move and we fully support him in his effort to bring sustainable & lasting peace to our whole country," AFP spokesperson Brigardier General Restituto Padilla said.

Jose Maria Sison, the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, vowed a "positive response" to the president's declaration.

"We share with President Duterte the determination to resume the formal talks and work for a just and lasting peace," Sison said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/JST, GMA News

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