Government undaunted by threats, AFP says
Ceasefire notwithstanding, a growing exchange and display of might and power continues between the local Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here and the communist hierarchy.
Yet threats or more threats, the AFP remains undaunted and more focused than ever on its mission to protect and enforce the laws.
Or so the AFP officially declares in a news statement sent to The News Today (TNT)
"The AFP is far from being daunted by the threat of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) or by the public intimidated by them," the statement went. "However the CPP-NPA should respect innocent civilians who want to celebrate Christmas peacefully and should not be harmed even if the CPP-NPA terrorist commanders insist on having its violent brand of Christmas celebration targeting the Filipino masses particularly in Western Visayas."
And for Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, commanding officer of the AFP's 3rd Civil Relations Group, no surprises there for the CPP-NPA stance.
"Terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF commanders' vicious position on this holiday season is expected of an organization which believes in nothing else but in turmoil and power grab. After all, the public considers the CPP-NPA as nonbelievers by nature," the AFP statement continued. "But with their announcement of more violence, the CPP-NPA-NDF have intentionally disregarded the beliefs and Christmas tradition of the people."
As such, it would be increased and strengthened vigilance this Christmas break and the cessation of hostilities. The AFP with its Suspension of Offensive Operations (SOMO), Captain Marquez assured, "will definitely continue to focus on its mission of protecting communities and enforcing the laws."