Dela Rosa tells Reds: Be sincere on truce in ‘deeds’

Sen. Ronald “bato” Dela Rosa. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — Communist rebels should display sincerity about their ceasefire declaration not only in words, but also in deeds, according to Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday (Dec. 23).

Dela Rosa, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), made the remark after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the ceasefire declaration of the government in response to the rebels’ own ceasefire declaration.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) directed its armed wing, New People’s Army, to stand down after the government declared a truce for the holidays.

READ: Gov’t, Reds declare holiday ceasefire

“Though my doubts have factual basis still I am hopeful that genuine and lasting peace can be finally achieved,” Dela Rosa said in a statement.

“To prove their sincerity, CPP/NPA/NDF should be true to their unilateral ceasefire declaration in words and in deeds,” he added.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, also a former PNP chief, welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a “Christmas wish for every peace-loving Filipino.”

“There is no greater Christmas wish for every peace-loving Filipino than a bilaterally declared ceasefire between the government and the CPP/NPA/NDF that holds as long as he could ever hope for,” he said on a Twitter post.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier announced the government’s ceasefire declaration, which will take effect on Dec. 23 to Jan. 7.

Panelo also said the administration looked forward to resuming talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), umbrella organization of communist and allied groups.

Edited by TSB