Palace welcomes Sison’s statement on CPP ceasefire

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (File photo by JOAN BONDOC / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Malacañang on Thursday welcomed the statement of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria  Sison that it would reciprocate the government’s holiday ceasefire.

“That remains to be seen. If so, then we will have a peaceful Christmas, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

On Thursday, Sison said the CPP would order NPA rebels to rest their guns in observance of the traditional Christmas ceasefire.

“I think that there will be a unilateral ceasefire order from the CPP and NPA to honor the people in connection with the traditional holidays,” Sison said in a Facebook message to the Inquirer Thursday night.

He said the forthcoming truce order will also be issued to celebrate the CPP’s 4th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

Sison said the ceasefire order has been recommended by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

“The draft is already being processed by the Central Committee of the CPP,” Sison added.

READ: Joma Sison: CPP to issue unilateral Christmas ceasefire