MANILA- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday it is not inclined to recommend the suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) which is celebrating its 50th year.

Military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said past experiences with the group's armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), show that the group continued with its criminal activities despite a SOMO.

“If the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be asked we are not inclined to recommend the said SOMO (suspension of military operations)," Arevalo told reporters in a press briefing.

"We do not want to give them the opportunity to gather and mass up to joyfully celebrate their 50th anniversary,” he added.

Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana has also objected to the proposed SOMO against the NPA.

"We shall not allow the CP (Communist Party) to use a SOMO to celebrate their 50th anniversary," he told reporters in a message.

Top communist leader Jose Maria Sison on Tuesday said the CPP has ordered the NPA to go into a unilateral ceasefire mode.

The order, according to Sison, is to "manifest solidarity with the people celebrating the Yuletide season and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CPP."

"The temporary unilateral ceasefire of the NPA demonstrates the high morale and self-confidence of the revolutionary forces and people in their all-round strength," he said.