Arroyo X'mas Ceasefire, duplicitous -- CPP
December 20, 2004

Citing information that AFP troops are continuing offensive military operations in the Cagayan Valley region, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today blasted the unilateral ceasefire declaration by the Arroyo government, calling it a "duplicitous publicity gimmick".

CPP spokesperson Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said it has received reports that forces of the 17th Infantry Battalion were carrying out offensive military operations in Baggao, Cagayan as of yesterday.

He also said that soldiers belonging to 5th Scout Rangers Regiment were also "penetrating into guerrilla zones" resulting in an armed encounter last December 16. Also as of yesterday, soldiers of the 16th Infantry Battalion were carrying out offensive operations in Sta. Cruz, Mindoro Occidental.

These operations "betray the Arroyo government's doublespeak with regard to its declaration of a unilateral ceasefire."

Rosal said they are still verifying reports of continuing military operations in other regions.

"Such AFP offensives make it impossible anyway for the people to peacefully observe Christmas and the New Year," said Rosal, "and betray the Arroyo government's complete disregard for the people's traditions."

He pointed out that the New People's Army (NPA) may need to carry out its own tactical offensives to stop the AFP's rampage and protect itself and the people inside guerrilla zones.

He added that these AFP operations and the Arroyo regime's "deceptive ceasefire" are "negative factors" being weighed by the CPP Central Committee on its matter of unilaterally declaring a ceasefire.

Reference:
Anne Buenaventura
Media Officer
Cellphone Number: +63910-240-3553

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Arroyo X'mas Ceasefire, duplicitous -- CPP December 20, 2004

Arroyo X'mas Ceasefire, duplicitous -- CPP
December 20, 2004