• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Infantry units of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division deployed in Visayas are now on heightened alert, in line with the 57th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, a political wing of the New People’s Army.
The CPP earlier declared a four-day ceasefire in observance of its anniversary and the holidays. It will take effect on December 25 and 26, as well as on Dec. 31, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.
In a press briefing, Capt. Jessie Jun Ebalan, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said they are not yielding to the declared ceasefire, adding their focused operations against remnants of the NPA will continue.
“We do not consider their declaration and any pronouncements. The 3rd Infantry Division will continue with our operations to protect our communities, especially those in the far-flung barangays, even in urban and rural areas,” he said, noting that the NPA violated their declared ceasefire in the past by staging attacks against government forces and even civilians.
Enjoining the people to continue their vigilance against the terroristic activities of the NPA remnants, Ebalan said that the communist terrorist group used the yuletide season celebration to regroup, rearm or engage in activities that endanger the public.* with PNA reports
