The New People's Army were monitored moving "freely" and "untouched" in many upland areas of Negros, while taking advantage of the Dec. 24 and 25 unilateral ceasefire observed by the 303rd Infantry Brigade, Col. Gregorio Fajardo said yesterday.

Fajardo, however, also said the troops also had an enjoyable Christmas day celebration, although many of them were many miles away from their families, because of the ceasefire.

Despite the ceasefire, Fajardo said they will remain in defensive mode as they are not taking chances against rebel attacks that may be ordered by the CPP.

The military will again observe a two-day holiday truce on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 next year, as ordered by President Arroyo.

Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, provincial police director, yesterday said the Christmas truce appears to be holding as no armed clashes took place between government forces and insurgents in Negros Occidental within the period covered. Franco, however, reminded all police commanders in Negros Occidental to remain vigilant.

As the insurgents had done in previous years, Fajardo said the CPP-NPA consolidate their forces and re-assess their armed struggle against the government during the ceasefire.

Actually, the SOMO (suspension of military operations) is meant for soldiers, not for the rebels, he added.*GPB

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