CPP unilaterally declares 4-day ceasefire amid anniv, holidays; it's propaganda, says gov't

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Monday ordered its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), to implement a four-day ceasefire in observance of its 57th anniversary and the holidays. 

The government however said it's just propaganda.

In a statement, CPP’s Central Committee said the ceasefire will take effect during the following periods: 

• from 12 a.m. of December 25, 2025 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, 2025
• from 12 a.m. of December 31, 2025 to 11:59 p.m. of January 1, 2026

The CPP said all NPA units are instructed to shift into active defense mode especially in the face of relentless military operations of state troops against their group nationwide. 

“This temporary ceasefire order is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people as they conduct simple celebrations of their traditional holidays, amid grave social and economic conditions,” the CPP said.

'Propaganda'

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) meanwhile said that the CPP statement was “propaganda.”

“Military responsibilities are continuous and are not subject to unilateral pronouncements by armed groups,” AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said.

“In close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, the AFP will continue lawful security operations to ensure peace and order and prevent armed groups from exploiting the situation to regroup, rearm, or threaten public safety,” he added.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the Philippine military “remains focused on the uninterrupted performance of its constitutional mandate to protect the people and secure communities nationwide.”

“Military responsibilities are continuous. The AFP will carry on with its operations and sustain close coordination with the Philippine National Police to ensure peace and order throughout the holiday period,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the CPP statement should be taken as a “sad propaganda stunt.”

“Military duties are not subject to pause or seasons, thus the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall continue to support the Philippine National Police in keeping peace and order this holiday season,” the DND said. —KG, GMA Integrated News

 —KG, GMA Integrated News