Soldiers to ignore Reds' ceasefire declaration for Christmas —Detoyato

Government forces will stay on defensive and offensive posture against members of  New People’s Army, despite the rebels’ unilateral declaration of ceasefire for the Christmas season, a military official said Sunday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief Noel Detoyato said the military will remain vigilant during the five-day unilateral ceasefire from December 24 to 26, and from December 31 to January 1.

Military officials said they won't recognize a ceasefire with the communists during the holidays, adding that NPA guerrillas usually abuse such declarations.

"We have to maintain the peace so that Filipinos in the countryside can travel peacefully," Detoyato said.

Also, Detoyato said the government does not need to resume the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines, considering that localized peace talks are taking place. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News