Zamboanga city: The Western Mindanao Command has dismissed the Communist Party of the Philippines’ unilateral ceasefire declaration, emphasizing that a temporary pause in hostilities without renouncing armed struggle does not equate to genuine peace. Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, Westmincom commander, highlighted that the four-day ceasefire planned for Christmas and New Year’s will not alter the security landscape in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CPP central committee announced the ceasefire on Monday, which is set to be in effect from December 25 to 26 and from December 31 to January 1, 2026. Despite the announcement, Gumiran insists that true peace is demonstrated not through temporary ceasefires but by disarming and adhering to the law.
Gumiran urged the remaining members of the New People’s Army to surrender and take advantage of government reintegration programs. He warned that military operations would persist to safeguard civilians from unlawful armed factions. Additionally, he appealed to communities and local leaders to assist in persuading rebels to lay down their arms, stressing that enduring peace necessitates a united effort and a complete rejection of armed conflict.
