Leftist rebels resume operations against military in Visayas

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The leftist rebel group Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered its armed wing, New People' s Army (NPA), to resume offensive operations against the Philippine military and other government security forces in central Philippines.

The CPP gave out the order after the ceasefire declared by the Executive Committee-Regional Committee in Eastern Visayas on Nov. 12 ended on Jan. 12. The two-month truce was in effect in areas struck by typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda.

"All units of the New People's Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas may now resume offensive military operations against the regular and paramilitary forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)," the CPP said.

The CPP also commended the NPA for displaying a "high level of discipline" in observing the unilateral ceasefire despite " provocations" made by the government of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III.

"Despite the continuing attacks and provocations of the United States-Aquino regime, the ceasefire was never lifted in deference to the sufferings of the people and in order to make sure that immediate relief would be delivered to them," the group said.

The CPP accused the AFP of continuing military operations against their group despite the government's unilateral declaration of a truce from Dec. 21 to Jan. 15.

The leftist rebel group, with an estimated 4,000 fighters, has been waging war against the Philippine government for over four decades.