DILG: Police, military on alert despite ceasefire rejection by CPP-NPA-NDFP

The Philippine government's police and military forces are on alert for potential attacks from terrorist groups despite a declared ceasefire, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya criticized the CPP-NPA-NDFP for rejecting President Duterte's unilateral ceasefire, which was intended to allow security forces to focus on combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison stated that there was no clear basis to reciprocate the ceasefire, citing a lack of agreement on terms and modalities and expressing doubts about the sincerity of the government's declaration.

Sison suggested the government's ceasefire declaration might be premature, insincere, or a psychological warfare tactic, as it did not adequately address national unity against COVID-19 or the protection of vulnerable sectors.

Malaya asserted that the NDFP's response demonstrates a lack of concern for the country's welfare during the pandemic, as they continue to prioritize armed conflict over assisting government efforts.

The DILG official highlighted the challenges faced by police and military personnel dealing with the health crisis, emphasizing that they should not have to worry about ambushes or extortion while performing their duties.

Malaya further explained that the suspension of offensive police operations, as ordered by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, would enable the Philippine National Police (PNP) to better serve the public.

The DILG concluded that the CPP-NPA-NDFP's actions reveal their view of ceasefires and peace talks as mere political tools for extracting concessions, rather than genuine efforts towards peace, especially during a national crisis.