THE PARTY AND NPA RED FIGHTERS FULLY SUPPORT THE CEASEFIRE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal
Spokesperson
Communist Party of the Philippines
December 18, 2001

Gen. Eduardo Ermita's statement that the NDFP negotiating panel is ignorant of the situation of the revolutionary forces on the basic level or that the NDFP is divided on whether or not to pursue the peace talks with the GRP is pure and baseless intrigue. This can only jeopardize the efforts of various forces to create a favorable condition for the peace negotations.

The order for a ceasefire from December 15, 2001 to January 6. 2002 was issued by the NDFP in behalf of the Party and the NPA. The Party's Central Committee and Military Commission have issued a similar order to NPA fighters.

In accordance with this order, the NPA will desist from launching tactical offensives on December 26, 2001, on the 33rd anniversary of the reestablishment of the Commmunist Party of the Philippines, contrary to the canard being spread by Ermita and the AFP. Instead, communists and Filipino revolutionaries in the countryside and cities will commemorate the occasion through cultural presentations, meetings and study sessions.

Nonetheless, all NPA units will maintain their alertness to defend themselves in the face of treacherous attacks by the AFP.

We warn AFP forces launching operations in the guise of "conducting patrols" not to enter NPA territories. Such operations will jeopardize the ceasefire.###