AFP sets unilateral ceasefire with Reds

The Department of National Defense (DND) set on Thursday the dates for the unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels for the holiday season, following the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend offensive operations.

“The DND announces the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire against the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army) by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines from 6p.m. Dec. 23 to 6 p.m. Dec. 26; and 6 p.m. Dec. 30 to 6 p.m. Jan.2,” DND spokesperson Dir. Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Duterte declared last Wednesday the unilateral ceasefire to allow Filipinos to celebrate a “stress-free” holiday season, two weeks after he scrapped the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The NPA is the armed component of the communist organization.

“We urge those who are waging war against our sovereign government and inflicting harm on the Filipino people to spend this period in reflection and seriously reconsider returning to the fold of law,” Andolong said.

He also reminded the government security forces to maintain their vigilance and be mindful of their safety during the ceasefire.                       /kga