Manila, Philippines – Despite recent announcements regarding the resumption of the peace talks in the first week of April, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will still continue operations against rebels in the New People’s Army (NPA).

AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Edgard Arevalo on 14 March 2017 said that military operations against the NPA will continue unless President Duterte orders otherwise. Col. Arevalo added that the military has yet to receive instructions to suspend military operations against the NPA. The said rebel group has also committed violent acts despite the announcement that peace talks were to resume.

Col. Arevalo also said: “For years the AFP has and will always be supportive of peace. We are hopeful the peace talks will be successful this time. Otherwise the AFP will not hesitate to defend the communities.”

As for the Philippine National Police (PNP), it expressed that it had and still remains alert even after the announcement on the resumption of the peace talks.