THE Philippine Army in Negros Occidental is bracing for the suspension of offensive military operations (Somo) in the coming holiday season.
Colonel Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the Armed Forces has observed the Somo for a number of years already.
Last year, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III approved the Somo from December 20, 2013 until January 15, 2014.
This year, the date is yet to be announced.
Aying said that in the spirit of the Christmas season, everybody needs time to spend and enjoy the holidays with their respective families, including the soldiers and the rebels.
However, Aying said that the military is still not complacent against the New People's Army (NPA) rebels even if a Somo will be declared.
This, despite that their number in Negros Occidental has remained at about 200 fighters at this time.