Reds re-extend ceasefire with military to January 15

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Communist Party of the Philippines on Thursday re-extended its ceasefire after cutting it short Wednesday to “help push forward peace negotiations.”

In a statement, the CPP informed all its commands and units of the New People’s Army and people’s militias that the end of the ceasefire declared on December 20 has been re-extended to January 15.

It said the extension was made upon the recommendation of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines after they were “belatedly” informed of President Aquino’s order to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to extend the suspension of military and police operations against communist rebels to January 15.

On January 2, the CPP announced it would end its ceasefire on that day, the same date set by the military and police to end their ceasefire. But the AFP and PNP extended the truce to January 15 later in the afternoon in line with the President’s order.