From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17): AFP still waiting for SOMO declaration
With Christmas just eight days away, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan, Jr. on Tuesday announced that the military is still waiting orders on the declaration of suspension of military offensive (SOMO) against separatist rebels.
He added they were still waiting words from Malacanang regarding the SOMO. "We are waiting for the decision on the matter but once it arrives, we will definitely comply with it," Tutaan stressed.
The AFP spokesperson said there were no standard dates regarding the declaration of SOMO although for the past three years, December 16 seemed to be the declaration date.
Traditionally, SOMO lasts for a month and is observed to give time for combatants to celebrate the Yuletide Season with their loved ones.
Historically, the AFP still maintain activities supporting the government and civil authorities’ peace, development, and humanitarian assistance programs despite the SOMO declaration.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597600
With Christmas just eight days away, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan, Jr. on Tuesday announced that the military is still waiting orders on the declaration of suspension of military offensive (SOMO) against separatist rebels.
He added they were still waiting words from Malacanang regarding the SOMO. "We are waiting for the decision on the matter but once it arrives, we will definitely comply with it," Tutaan stressed.
The AFP spokesperson said there were no standard dates regarding the declaration of SOMO although for the past three years, December 16 seemed to be the declaration date.
Traditionally, SOMO lasts for a month and is observed to give time for combatants to celebrate the Yuletide Season with their loved ones.
Historically, the AFP still maintain activities supporting the government and civil authorities’ peace, development, and humanitarian assistance programs despite the SOMO declaration.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597600