Leftist militants will not hold truce this Christmas

Manila: Communist guerillas will not declare a Christmas truce with the government this year due to the military's alleged continuing operations, a spokesman said yesterday.

In a radio interview and in a text message sent to reporters, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) spokesman Gregorio 'Ka Roger' Rosal said the CPP and the National People's Army (its military arm) "see no reason to declare a ceasefire this Christmas and New Year".

"History shows that any declaration of a unilateral ceasefire by the government is not followed by the soldiers," Rosal claimed.

"Armed Forces of the Philippines officials want to impress upon the people that they will observe peace this Christmas, but never in the history of their unilateral ceasefire and suspension of military offensives did they really stop their attacks [on us]."

Decrying the military's alleged responsibility in the murders of left-wing activists in the provinces, Rosal said, "There will be no ceasefire in the face of the [ongoing] fascist attacks of the US-[President Gloria] Arroyo regime [on leftist groups]."

Anniversary

Government soldiers have killed at least 110 leaders and members of left-wing organisations in the past 10 months, Rosal said.

"The government's declaration of a ceasefire was meant to pre-empt the CPP from celebrating its anniversary on December 26," said Rosal, adding, "The government has wrongly accused us of launching attacks on that day."

The CPP-NPA will be 37 years old on December 26.

Rosal warned that the NPA will intensify its offensives in the countryside during the holiday season, adding this will help push for the ouster of President Gloria Arroyo.