Army says NPA violated self-imposed truce after clash on Christmas Day

The Philippine Army claimed on Wednesday that the New People's Army (NPA) violated its self-imposed holiday ceasefire after the rebel group's encounter with government forces on Christmas day.

According to Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of the Army's 202nd Infantry Brigade, a nine-man squad of the government forces were conducting security patrol in Rodriguez, Rizal on Tuesday when civilians informed them about members of the NPA supposedly planning to attack the Macaingalan Patrol Base in Barangay Puray.

The clash left a member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) wounded on the leg, although he is now in a stable condition.

"This is a violation of their self-imposed ceasefire and a clear manifestation that their fighters no longer recognize the authority of their so-called leaders," Burgos said.

The central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines has unilaterally declared of temporary ceasefire from 12:01 a.m. of December 24 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, 2018, and from 12:01 a.m. of December 31, 2018 to 11:59 p.m. of January 1, 2019.

Burgos added that the planned attack during Christmas Day only shows that the NPA rebels have turned into a band of "extortionist terrorists no longer respecting one's religion just to sow fear among people."

Lieutenant Colonel Melencio Ragudo, commanding officer of the 80th Infantry Battalion, said there was an undetermined number of casualties from the NPA as there were heavy blood stains in their positions.

"According to the troops I've talked to, the enemies brought along their wounded comrades when they scampered away," Ragudo said.

The terrorists were believed to be part of the NPA sub-regional party of sub-regional military area 4C under a certain Jonathan Mopon alias "Boyong."

Ragudo assured the public that government troops will stay on guard even on holidays.

"We are spending the holidays away from our families to make sure that other families will be able to celebrate them together in peace," he said.

Major General Rhoderick Parayno, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, commended the troops for their vigilance, but said that the encounter was a huge setback to the CPP's 50th anniversary celebration.

"The Communist Terrorist Group have lost its relevance. Nabubuhay na lang sila sa propaganda," he said.

"Those who understand their plight, their cause, are surrendering. They've not only lost 50 years, they have wasted 50 years," he added.

Parayno said rebels who would lay down their arms are guaranteed of their safety and would receive assistance from the government.

A total of 164 NPA members in Regions IV-A and B have so far surrendered to the 2nd Infantry Division. —Erwin Colcol/ LDF, GMA News