NPA declares 4-day holiday ceasefire

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The New People’s Army will observe a four-day holiday ceasefire with government forces, the Communist Party of the Philippines said in a statement Wednesday.

The CCP announced that ceasefire will be in effect from 12 midnight of December 24 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26; and from 12 midnight of December 31 to 11:59 p.m. of January 2, 2014.

“During the aforementioned periods, all commands of the NPA and the people’s militia shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive operations against the armed units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and all other paramilitary forces attached to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” it said.

The ceasefire declaration is being issued “in solidarity with the Filipino people’s traditional observance of Christmas and New Year holidays.”

It will also allow their members and the Filipino people to join mass celebrations to mark the 45th anniversary of the CPP on December 26.

AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista told reporters Wednesday morning that they were considering a holiday truce.

“We deserve a break during Christmas. This is a very important holiday for our people especially those affected with the recent typhoon,” he said.

He added, however, that the recommendation would be up to the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.