Military personnel may again get time to spend with their families during this yuletide season after Armed Forces chief Jessie Dellosa announced yesterday that he will recommend a suspension of military offensive against the communist New People’s Army this month.

Dellosa, however, said the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire has to be approved by President Benigno Aquino III.

Last year, the SOMO observed by the AFP lasted for 18 days and started from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2 this year.

Dellosa hinted that the ceasefire now may last also for the same time as last year’s.

He also enjoined communist rebels to rethink their armed struggle and consider starting a new life with their families.

In Negros Occidental, military records show 74 rebels, who abandoned the armed struggle, are now living peacefully with their families, with assistance from the provincial government and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.*GPB

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