THE Armed Forces yesterday said the question of declaring a
Christmas cease-fire with the communist New People’s Army and the rogue Moro
Islamic Liberation Front rebels is for the political leadership to decide.
"The military is an instrument of national policy," said AFP
public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, commenting on the appeal of
House Speaker Prospero Nograles for a truce this Christmas.
The government has traditionally declared a Christmas truce
with the rebels in the past years although some only lasted a few days. The
military had earlier expressed fears the communists will take advantage of a
cease-fire if the government decides to declare one.
The military launched an offensive against rogue MILF rebels
on Aug. 18 after successive rebel atrocities. The government said the campaign
does not in any way affect the standing truce with the MILF that was forged
several years ago.
"There are political, economic, social and military aspects in the Mindanao
conflict. Hence, the AFP shall remain focused on the military aspect in
resolving the conflict while respecting the decision of the national leadership
on matters of a cease-fire," said Torres.
Torres said security patrols will continue even if a
cease-fire is declared to protect the people from possible atrocities by the
rebels. "In the meantime, our troops will continue to pursue (Commander) Bravo,
et al," he said.
Bravo, whose real name is Abdulrahman Macapaar, is the commander of the 102th
Base Command, which is among the three MILF units subject of the military
offensive. The two others are the 105th and 103rd base commands, headed by
Ameril Umbra Kato and Aleem Pangalian, respectively. – Victor Reyes
