NDFP-Mindanao declares ceasefire

From the Sun Star-Davao (Dec 13): NDFP-Mindanao declares ceasefire

THE National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) declared Wednesday a 29-day unilateral ceasefire in the typhoon desolated areas in Mindanao to give way to relief operations. Ka Oris, NDFP Mindanao spokesperson, in a statement said the ceasefire started December 5 and it will end in January 3, 2013 at around 12 noon. He said the duration of the treaty can be extended if it is needed. Oris said the NDFP Mindanao decided to declare a ceasefire to extend their empathy to the affected areas and their residents who lost loved ones and properties after the Typhoon Pablo hit Mindanao, particularly the Davao Region.

"Isip tubag sa grabeng katalagman ug sa ngalan sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa, ang NDFP-Mindanao mideklara ug kaugalingong ceasefire aron mamahimong luwas, wala'y babag ug paspas ang pagluwas sa mga biktima, ug sa pagpahigayon sa paspas ug wala'y bara nga pagtunol sa serbisyong relief sa mga apektadong komunidad (As a response to the calamity and in the name of the revoltionary movement, NDF-Miindanao has declared a unilateral ceasefire to make it speed up search and rescure operations and expedite delivery of relief goods to the affected communities) " Oris said.

"Mahimong ipadayon ang ceasefire kung kinahanglan depende sa mahimong resulta sa assessment sa kondukta sa ceasefire. Ang tanan mga yunit sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan nga langkob niining deklarasyon sa ceasefire gimandoan nga dili maglunsad og taktikal nga opensiba sulod sa gitakda nga petsa (The ceasefire can be extended if necessary depending on the assessment in the conduct of the ceasefire. All units of the New People’s Army under this ceasefire declaration are ordered not to launch tactical offensives during the period that was set)," he added.

Oris also urged all BHB units in the affected areas like Compostela Valley Province, Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur to provide necessary assistance to the victims of the typhoon. The NDFP Mindanao also demanded all large-scale mining companies as well as logging and plantation firms to also provide enough financial assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected areas. "Amo pud giawhag ang Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police nga dili gamiton ang kalihokan nga search and rescue operation, pag-apod-apod sa mga hinabang, ug paglunsad sa outreach program isip pangtabon sa ilang mga operasyon militar batok sa BHB (We are also asking the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police not to use search and rescue operations, distribution of relief goods and the conduct of outreach programs as a camouflage of their military operations against BHB)," Oris said.

He added that BHB units will have the right and are ready to protect themselves and the community if it is needed. In response to the letter, Lt. General Jorge V. Segovia, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), told Sun.Star Davao through a text message that the NDFP is "too late the hero." "We've been busy saving lives from the start. I have no time for their propaganda. Abala lang sa atin yang mga useless statements nila," Segovia said.

"Baga na kaayo ug nawong kaning mga NPA nga gamiton kining trahedya para sa ilang propaganda," said Col. Leopoldo Galon Jr. commander for the Eastmincom’s Civil Relations Group (CRG). Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operation Battalion (CMOBN), said the NDFP and NPA are just trying to be make some noise so they could get the attention of the public.

In the spirit of bayanihan, Brigadier General Ariel B. Bernardo, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said everyone who wish to extend assistance to the people who were devastated by the typhoon are most welcome. "The AFP has always been the reliable partner especially when it comes to disaster relief and rescue operations. Our troops are not even spared of their safety," Bernardo said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/12/13/ndfp-mindanao-declares-ceasefire-258121