By Gabriela Baron
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) denied that it violated the holiday ceasefire between their armed wing, New People's Army (NPA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
In a statement, NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Fidel Agcaoili said the NPA units involved only defended themselves against armed attacks.
"These were defensive actions by the NPA units involved in the face of armed attacks and sustained military operations by the AFP and the PNP," continued Agcaoili.
He also added that the NDFP has yet to receive copies of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Police Operations (SOPO) that will be issued by the AFP and PNP as basis of a mutual agreement.
The government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) declared their respective unilateral ceasefires on Sunday.
READ MORE: Duterte, Reds declare 15-day ceasefire
The AFP accused the insurgent group of violating the agreed upon holiday ceasefire, from December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020 after three separate attacks in Iloilo, Quezon, and Camarines Norte.