MANILA – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), have announced a unilateral ceasefire for the Christmas and New Year holidays in 2025, allowing their forces to celebrate with peasant masses and mark the CPP’s founding anniversary. The truce, detailed in a statement released on December 15, 2025, will run from December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026, suspending offensive operations while maintaining defensive posture against any government actions.
The declaration emphasizes solidarity with traditional Filipino holiday celebrations and provides space for NPA units to hold assemblies, reflect on achievements, and honor martyrs. “This ceasefire aims to give respite to our forces and the people they serve during this meaningful season,” the CPP said, adding that units remain on high alert to “defend themselves if attacked.”
Government Response: No Reciprocation Expected
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) have not indicated plans to reciprocate, consistent with recent years where unilateral rebel truces went unanswered amid ongoing counterinsurgency operations. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stated: “Our mandate is to protect the people and pursue peace through law enforcement—operations continue as needed.”
This marks a return to holiday truces after a 2024 hiatus, when the CPP cited relentless military offensives as reason for no ceasefire. The 2025 declaration comes as the NPA faces reported weakening, with government claims of reduced guerrilla fronts.
For rural communities in NPA-influenced areas, the truce offers brief calm during fiestas and family reunions, though vigilance persists.
Ceasefire Details:
| Period | December 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Scope | Suspension of offensive tactical operations |
| Condition | Defensive actions if provoked |
| Purpose | Holiday celebrations; CPP anniversary |