Gov’t peace panel welcomes rebels’ decision to observe holiday ceasefire

MANILA, Philippines–The government panel talking peace with communist rebels welcomed on Tuesday their decision to observe a ceasefire on hostilities during the holidays.

“We are heartened that the CPP-NPA-NDF have found it in their hearts to declare ceasefires on Christmas and New Year and give its fighters a respite from their life of violence,” the government peace panel said in a
statement. “We would have wanted a commitment to a longer ceasefire to give the conflict-affected communities a chance to an extended celebration in this season of hope, peace and goodwill.”

The ceasefire declaration by communist rebels came several days after President Aquino announced an 18-day ceasefire of military operations against them, in observance of the holidays.

In its statement, the panel also admitted it was “upset” that communist rebels had taunted the ceasefire earlier declared by the government “by launching deadly attacks on our military doing peace work under Oplan “Bayanihan.”

“However, their declaration of abbreviated ceasefires and willingness to assist in the rescue and relief operations in areas affected by the storm “Sendong”  are most welcome,” the panel said.

It said this was a time for people to come together, as it expressed appreciation again for the help offered by communist rebels to help the tropical storm victims.