AFP spokesperson Restituto Padilla. FILE
THE defense department and military backed the unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels declared by President Rodrigo Duterte during his State of the Nation Address (Sona)聽on Monday, but said they will remain on alert.
鈥淥ur troops will comply but they will not put their guard down. The ceasefire will cover combat operations against insurgents but not against lawless armed groups,鈥� Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
He said he expects the communists to reciprocate the ceasefire.
Duterte said in his speech the unilateral ceasefire was 鈥渆ffective immediately.鈥�
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the truce was a 鈥渧ery bold move鈥� but they support the President in his efforts of lasting peace nonetheless.
The AFP, however, 鈥渨ill remain alert, vigilant and ready to defend itself and pursue attackers if confronted by armed elements of the New People鈥檚 Army (NPA).鈥�
Padilla said the government has shown sincerity and they expect the same from the communist rebels.
The communist rebels are waging one of Asia鈥檚 longest insurgencies.
The military estimates that there are still about 4,000 members of the NPA. Peace talks with communist leaders are scheduled for August.
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