Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Philippine Maoist rebels declare truce


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 7, 2010) Local Maoist rebels have announced Tuesday an 18-day cease-fire as an act of goodwill and to allow its fighters enjoy the yuletide season.

The communist Party of the Philippines said the cease-fire order will take effect on December 16 until January 3 next year. "(The ceasefire order) is issued on humanitarian grounds and as an act of good will in order to allow the commands, units and personnel of the contending armies of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to observe the traditional holidays and enjoy the spirit of the yuletide season and the New Year.”

But the rebel group said the truce declaration is “effective upon the reciprocal and concurrent ceasefire order from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to its military, police and paramilitary forces.”

"While the ceasefire is in effect, all commands and units of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the people’s militia shall be “in a defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels but shall remain vigilant against any encroachment on the territory of the people’s democratic government,” the CPP said. (Bong Fabe)

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