No Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the Communist rebels has been declared for the holidays, Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said Thursday, December 15.
The Army is continuing its regular security operations, he said.
Pasaporte called on the rebels to abandon the armed struggle and return to the government so they can be with their families during the holidays and beyond.
The Communist rebels in Negros are on the run after suffering major losses this year, he said. The Philippine Army engaged the rebels in 39 encounters this year where they suffered major losses, especially among their key leaders, Pasaporte said.
The rebels in Negros are on the run and are unlikely to be able to gather and stage attacks during the Communist Party of the Philippines anniversary on December 26, he added.
The communist rebels in Negros are dwindling and they no longer have the support of the people, he added.*