DESPITE the declaration of unilateral ceasefire of the National Government and the New People's Army (NPA), the troops are not letting their guards down despite the imposition of suspension of military of operation (Somo) on possible attacks from rebels during the temporary truce.
"The 10ID will abide by the government's Somo and will maintain active defense posture in its AOR to thwart any atrocity, deception and sabotage that the CPP-NPA is planning to stage," Captain Jerry Lamosao, Philippine Army 10th ID spokesperson, said.
Lamosao said that the 10ID remains in full alert status and vigilant for possible attacks on the people and vulnerable communities.
"Their celebration is usually accompanied by armed attacks against the people that reflect their true color as a criminal organization void of any ideology," he said.
He also reiterated that the NPA, who was earlier officially declared as a terrorist group, does no longer conform to their ideology.
"The CPP-NPA-NDF lost its ideological mooring and all its actions reflect a terrorist organization rather than what they claim to be. It is in this light that we call on their members to take a good look at their organization and reflect deeply so that they may be able to decide to come back into the fold of the law, be with their families and become productive citizens of the community," he said.
Earlier, hundreds of NPA rebels and supporters surrendered to authorities and were promised government assistance.
"It is just a matter of time that other remaining NPAs and members of UGMOs (underground mass organizations) in our AOR will follow their comrades in going back to the folds of the law. 10ID appreciates the `peace initiatives' of the local government and its constituents in helping us pursue peace and justice. We assure them and the people that our efforts are geared toward winning the peace by protecting the people and securing the communities," 10ID commander Major General Noel S. Clement said.
Meanwhile, on December 22, 2017, 358 members of Ugmo and NPA supporters from different barangays of Maragusan, Compostela Valley Province surrendered to 10ID.