Aquino calls for lasting truce with leftist rebels

From the Philippine Star (Jan 11): Aquino calls for lasting truce with leftist rebels

President Benigno S. Aquino III recently called for a lasting ceasefire with the leftist New People's Army (NPA) to lessen the collateral damage caused by their decades-long struggle. "Of course, it is important for us to have a long ceasefire, especially to lessen the collateral damage," said the President during an interview with the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) yesterday.

The government and the leftist rebels are under truce, which started on December 20 last year and will end on January 15. The President said he has to see "good faith" and "gestures of goodwill" in the peace process from the leftist rebels. "So that's what we want, to put a stop on the bloodshed among Filipinos," he added.Aquino also asked the NPA to stop the use of landmines, citing that so far there were at least 25 civilians who were killed due to this explosive device, which is being banned by at least 160 countries, including the Philippines.

http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/11/896001/aquino-calls-lasting-truce-leftist-rebels