Translation/s: Bisaya

Despite the declaration of unilateral ceasefire by the Duterte administration to presumably call for national unity to address the COVID 19 pandemic, there are still presence of elements Armed Forces of the Philippines in areas in Far South Mindanao Region and continue with their operations. They still stay in communities and conduct meeting with residents in direct violation of lockdowns or enhanced community quarantine and physical distancing orders imposed by national and local governments nationwide.

Up to now, there are still military presence in Sitios Sibayol and Paril in Brgy. Tamadang in Kiamba, Sitio Salian, Brgy. Sapu Masla and Sitio Matlusi Brgy.Upper Suyan in Malapatan, both municipalities of Sarangani Province, Brgy. Lamlahak in Lake Sebu and Brgy. Lacunon, T’boli in South Cotabato, Barangays Nati and Tinalon in Sen.Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat Province and other parts of the region.

This only shows that Duterte and the AFP are not serious in implementing its own ceasefire, thus, it is not true that they focus mainly on addressing COVID 19 but the revolutionary movement as well. If its really COVID 19 the AFP is facing right now, they should immediately pull-out of civilian communities and have themselves quarantined in their camps instead of conducting mass gatherings because they themselves are potential virus carriers.

On the other hand, the regional command of NPA-FSMR is ready to implement the ceasefire order from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and seriously address the COVID 19 pandemic but will remain on guard against possible attacks and sabotage from AFP.

As of the moment, NPA-FSMR is mobilizing its cadres and red fighters, its unit militia, the people, friends and allies of the revolution for a collective effort to fight COVID 19. While taking the needed precautionary measures, the NPA educates the people on COVID19 and

the necessary preventive measures, alternative medical approach like herbal medicines since no assistance are given to communities especially in remote and far-flung areas, community clean up drives, among others.

NPA-FSMR call on the people to unite against COVID 19 and be vigilant against any attempt of the US-Duterte regime to use the issue to further suppress basic civil rights through the militarist implementation of lockdowns and enhanced community quarantine and enforce martial law nationwide in the coming days.