Skirmishes in Bukidnon between NPA rebels and Gov't forces disrupts ceasefire

Despite the Communist Party of the Philippines and NPA calling for a ceasefire in honor of the CPP's 55th anniversary on December 26, the military did not reciprocate and continued combat operations.

No casualties were reported on the Army's side, and the NPA had maintained high alert before the Bukidnon clash, anticipating a potential government offensive.

The CPP chief information officer, Marco Valbuena, accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of pursuing its objective to crush the NPA by the year-end, alleging a state terrorism rampage nationwide.

Valbuena expressed skepticism about the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reciprocating the NPA ceasefire. Despite the clashes, the rebels plan to gather in undisclosed locations in the coming days to commemorate the CPP's anniversary.

The communist insurgency in the Philippines, spanning six decades, holds the record as Asia's longest.

Despite numerous failed peace attempts, the Marcos Jr. administration seeks to revive negotiations, with a preliminary agreement reached with communist leaders in Oslo, Norway, earlier this month.