The week-long ceasefire between government forces and the New People’s Army ends today, with no untoward or violent insurgency-related incident noted in the Western Visayas, except the attempt to assassinate a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, military records show.

Capt. Mark Andrew Posadas, spokesman of the 3rd Infantry Division, yesterday said Army infantry units will resume normal combat operations against the armed NPA members, who continue to wage an armed struggle in the countryside.

The ceasefire that started Feb. 15 was in support of the ongoing peace talks between communist leaders and government negotiators in Oslo, Norway.

Both state security forces and the NPA went into a defensive mode, although the cessation of hostilities was declared by the warring parties.

Except for the incident in Negros Oriental on Feb. 15, Posadas said it seems the NPA in Negros Occidental and Panay island strictly observed the ceasefire.

Peace advocates in Negros Occidental have been storming the heavens with prayers for the successful outcome of the peace talks, which was participated in by former Negrense priest Luis Jalandoni and his wife, Connie, on the side of the National Democratic Front, and Bacoleña Ma. Lourdes Tison, who is a member of the government negotiating panel.*GPB

back to top