Palace expects Reds to honor ceasefire declaration

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang is hopeful that the communist rebels would honor the holiday ceasefire declared by the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“The Palace welcomes the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s (CPP-NPA) declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the government in observance of the Filipino people’s traditional holidays,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Friday.

He said Duterte “decided to declare a suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) against the Reds precisely because he wants Filipinos to feel safer during the holiday season.”

“We expect that the CPP-NPA would honor their word and comply with the unilateral ceasefire, so that our people could truly experience a peaceful Christmas celebration,” he said.

The Palace official assured the public that the government would “remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of our countrymen.”

“May we all stand together in fulfilling our shared desire of achieving lasting peace throughout the nation,” he said.

On Friday, the CPP declared an eight-day unilateral ceasefire for the Christmas holiday following Duterte’s declaration of holiday ceasefire on Wednesday. /je