| Bacolod City, Philippines | Thursday, December 19, 2013 |
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BY GILBERT BAYORAN
The New People's Army, will observe a four-day ceasefire, as ordered by the Communist Party of the Philippines, in solidarity with the traditional observance of Christmas and New Year holidays of the Filipino people. In a statement it issued, the CPP said the ceasefire will take effect 12 midnight of Dec. 24 to 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 26, and from 12 midnight of Dec. 31 to 11:59 p.m.of Jan. 2, 2014. Despite the 4-day ceasefire, the CPP, however, reminded NPA commands and units to remain vigilant against encroachments by military and police units. He also said that, in the face of clear and imminent danger, the NPA and the people's militia units retain the option to engage in armed hostilities as an act of self-defense. The CPP is also marking its 45 th founding anniversary on Dec. 26. AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has already recommended the suspension of military operations, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, with Malacanang has yet to act on it. “Traditionally, we declare, not a ceasefire, but a suspension of military offensives during Christmas holidays and we will leave it to the OPPAP to recommend this to the President. We will support their recommendation,” Bautista said. The AFP is also celebrating its 78th founding anniversary on December 20. The ceasefire declaration is being issued in order to allow the Filipino people and their revolutionary forces to join mass celebrations to mark the 45 th anniversary, of the CPP's the rebel group said. When super typhoon Yolanda struck early last month, the rebels declared a lengthy ceasefire in provinces ravaged by the storm to allow their forces to engage in relief and rehabilitation efforts.*GPB
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