Reds declare 14-day ceasefire for calamity areas

ILIGAN CITY—Communist rebels in Northern Mindanao have declared a “regional ceasefire” from Dec. 21 to Jan. 3, 2012, in deference to the victims of the calamity caused by Tropical Storm “Sendong.”

The ceasefire declaration handed down on Dec. 19 by the Communist Party of the Philippines’ North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee is on top of the one covering the communist forces throughout the country, said a statement signed by regional CPP spokesperson Norsen Mangubat.

Earlier, the CPP central leadership declared a two-schedule Yuletide truce—one from Dec. 24-26 and the other from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.

The CPP also encouraged New People’s Army (NPA) units “in the most affected areas (to) temporarily cease offensive military operations and help in mobilizing the people to carry out rescue and rehabilitation efforts to help the victims recover from the disaster.”

Mangubat said the regional ceasefire covers all fronts and units of the NPA in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte.

“In particular, the NPA is to suspend offensive actions against military detachments, camps and outposts, including police stations and outposts,” Mangubat added.

However, the NPA “will remain vigilant against enemy attacks,” he further said.

Mangubat also clarified that “all police actions launched by the NPA against criminals, including murderers, rapists, drug dealers, thieves and others shall not be included in the scope of the suspension.”

The rebel spokesperson said they would raise resources for relief and rehabilitation efforts of the affected families out of “all material and financial donations for the Christmas season and the Party’s 43rd anniversary celebration (on Dec. 26)” that the CPP’s regional branch would receive.

“All expected donations yet to be received by the party shall be used for the same purpose,” Mangubat said.

In a separate statement, Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, said the rebel leadership has directed its local and regional commanders “to observe frugality and simplicity” in holding the CPP anniversary on Dec. 26 in sympathy with the survivors and victims of Sendong.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also extended its sympathies to Sendong’s victims.

“In the spirit of humanity and as fellow residents of Mindanao, the MILF sincerely offers sympathy and condolence to those who suffer from this calamity,” said a statement from Muhammad Ameen, chair of the MILF secretariat, in behalf of the central leadership. Ryan D. Rosauro, Inquirer Mindanao