REDS DECLARE CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR CEASEFIRE, BUT AFP OPS TO CONTINUE
Communist rebels have announced a unilateral ceasefire for the Christmas and New Year holidays, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has indicated that military operations will proceed. According to initial information, the ceasefire declaration from the communist side is intended to cover a limited period around the year-end festivities. The AFP, however, has stressed that it will continue focused operations against armed groups to ensure public safety. As of now, there are no confirmed details on whether the government will issue a corresponding suspension of offensive actions.
Based on preliminary reports, the holiday truce call from the rebels echoes similar announcements made in previous years, often framed as a gesture to allow civilians to observe the season in relative calm. The government has historically weighed such declarations against security assessments on the ground, particularly in areas where clashes have occurred. Security officials have repeatedly underscored that any pause in operations must not expose communities or state forces to heightened risk. At this stage, authorities are still monitoring whether rebel units in the countryside will align with the announced ceasefire.
The AFP’s decision to maintain operations is being presented as a precautionary step rather than a direct rejection of the ceasefire pronouncement. Commanders have emphasized the need to protect critical infrastructure, secure major transport routes, and guard populated areas during the holiday rush. According to initial briefings, routine patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence-gathering activities are expected to continue, with adjustments made as necessary based on field reports. As of now, there are no confirmed details of any large-scale troop redeployments linked to the rebel announcement.
For the public, the parallel tracks of a declared ceasefire and ongoing military activity may translate into heightened visibility of security forces in some localities, but not necessarily into new restrictions. Local governments are coordinating with police and the military to keep holiday events, transport terminals, and commercial hubs under close watch, based on preliminary reports. Civil society groups and church leaders are also monitoring the situation, urging all sides to prevent incidents that could disrupt year-end observances. Authorities say they will continue to issue advisories if there are changes in security protocols or if significant developments arise from the ceasefire declaration.
