Army still pushing for local ceasefire

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 5): Army still pushing for local ceasefire

Apparently inspired by the violent-free activities of the New People’s Army during the yuletide truce, Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said he is mulling a local ceasefire with communist rebels in Negros. Lactao said he is more than willing to recommend to Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. that a cessation of hostility with the NPA will be observed, in order to lower the level of violence. If both sides ( military and NPA) really want peace, it could be done, he said.

Almost three weeks after the yuletide truce took effect on Dec. 16 last year, Lactao said the ceasefire appears to be holding in Negros. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines has re-extended its cease-fire declaration to January 15 as the government announced belatedly its own suspension of military operations. The original suspension of offensive military operations declared by the government was only until January 2.

Lactao, who supervised the internal security operations of two Army battalions in Negros Occidental, said they have not monitored any ceasefire violations from both sides. By holding a local ceasefire, he said the government and the leadership of the local communist movement could discuss and look for solutions on problems presented, rather than resort to killing each other. Lactao admitted that they had monitored rebel movements during the CPP anniversary on Dec. 26. However, he said, they did nothing about it, in compliance with the ceasefire agreement.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/January/05/topstory4.htm