AFP: No Holy Week truce with NPA

MANILA, Philippines - The military will not declare a ceasefire with communist rebels during the Holy Week but hopes the insurgents will not take advantage of the holiday.  

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said truces are usually declared only during the Christmas season.

“Traditionally, we declare a ceasefire during Christmas. There is none (Holy Week truce),” Bautista said. 

When asked whether the offensives would continue during the Holy Week, Bautista said: “Our soldiers will also pray.”

Bautista hopes the communist insurgents would also reflect during the Holy Week. 

“I hope they will also pray. After all, we are all Christians or most of us are Christians,” the AFP chief said.

The military has stepped up its security measures to ensure a peaceful and solemn commemoration of the Holy Week.

Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said they are ready to provide resources to support the police in its operations.

These resources include manpower, intelligence, explosive and ordinance disposal teams, K9 and medical teams.

Baladad said they are working closely with the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers nationwide to ensure the smooth implementation of their security plans.

The military has not raised its alert level in the General Headquarters but has authorized field commanders to adjust their statuses when necessary.

The Philippine National Police, for its part, will establish police assistance desk and ensure police presence in all places of convergence.