NDFP insists no ceasefire violation in Bicol, Iloilo clashes

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 encounters in Bicol and Iloilo last December 23.

In a statement, Fidel Agcaoili, chairperson of the NDFP negotiating panel said the rebels only defended themselves against armed attacks.

"These were defensive actions by the NPA units involved in the face of armed attacks and sustained military operations by the AFP and the PNP (special operations unit), 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.

Agcaoili said that 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.

The government and the Communist Party of the Philippines declared ceasefire on Sunday for the holidya season and to create an enabling environment for the possible resumption of peace talks.

The ceasefire will last until January 7. —LDF, GMA News