Malacanang on Sunday said "circumstances" might arise which could change the government's position not to declare a ceasefire during the Christmas holidays with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army.

However, as of the moment, the decision is firm not to suspend the military operations against the communist rebels during the Yuletide season, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.

"The decision not to declare a suspension of military operations with the members of the New People's Army over the Christmas holidays stays. Our defenders would not stand down as there has been call on the other side to launch offensives against state forces," he said.

Roque said the CPP-NPA is "notorious" for conducting treacherous attacks even when there was unilateral ceasefire.

He added declaring SOMO is "not to the nation's best interest" as it will only expose the government troops from enemy's attack and will embolden them to commit more atrocities.

"However, we do not discount possibilities that there may be circumstances that may arise for government to reconsider its present position," he said.

The CPP-NPA will celebrate its 49th anniversary on December 26. Ella Dionisio/DMS