Philippine military says NPA breaks truce in Haiyan-affected areas

November 28, 2013

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MANILA, Philippines – The military claimed that the New People's Army (NPA) violated a ceasefire that it had declared in areas affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, local media reported.

Survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan queue up to receive relief goods in Palo, Leyte province on Tuesday (November 26th). The Philippine military accused the New People's Army of violating its own ceasefire declared in areas ravaged by the storm. [Noel Celis/AFP]

On Sunday (November 24th), NPA rebels attacked soldiers on patrol in Barangay Pitogo in La Libertad, Negros Oriental, the army said, according to The Philippine Star. One militant died in the 10-minute battle.

"Despite the declaration of the ceasefire there are still several NPA atrocities taking place nationwide, and I don't know if that is reflective of their control over the units on the ground," Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista told reporters, according to The Inquirer.

The break declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was set to expire on Sunday but was extended by a month to December 24th.

Ray Tiongson, spokesman for the Army's 3rd division, said this was the second ceasefire violation, with the first occurring November 16th, the Star reported.