CEASEFIRE FOR CHILDREN | Truce eyed in S. Luzon as soldiers, rebels attend to flood victims

From InterAksyon (Aug 22): CEASEFIRE FOR CHILDREN | Truce eyed in S. Luzon as soldiers, rebels attend to flood victims

In times of crisis, soldier and rebel can both leave their guns behind, after all, to help those worst-affected by this week's natural disasters. This is the message conveyed by the reaction of the chief of the military's Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), to the call of the communist rebels for a temporary cease-fire in conflict areas where thousands of families were affected by severe flooding from the monsoon rains enhanced by  typhoon Maring.

“Sa panahong ito kailangan nating magtulungan para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayang nasalanta ng walang tigil na pag-ulan at pagbaha [In these times, we have to pull together for our countrymen who were hard hit by nonstop rains and flooding],” SOLCOM chief Lt. Gen. Caesar Ordoyo said. He said a cease-fire will ensure unhampered delivery of relief goods to flood victims.

Earlier, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) called on the military to suspend its military operations so the New People’s Army (NPA) and its cadres can help rescue and conduct relief work for victims.

In response, Ordoyo said Thursday, “The command is grateful and appreciates the gestures of the CPP-NPA to extend their assistance to the flood victims.” Though not yet official--it must be sanctioned by higher-ups in the AFP, the exchange of intent is seen as a signal that both camps will focus on helping civilians in the next few days.

A good chunk of Southern Luzon, SOLCOM's base, remains flooded. Entire towns in Cavite and Laguna have seen thousands uprooted from their homes, especially in coastal towns affected by the spilling Laguna Lake.

Ordoyo said the bulk of the SOLCOM's soldiers have been conducting disaster relief and rescue operations since Monday.

“As regards to the cease-fire, we will make appropriate recommendation on the CPP-NPA’s demand and will wait for further directive and guidance from the higher headquarters," said Ordoyo. "We encourage all the members of the society including the CPP-NPA to continue and to exert best effort in providing assistance to all affected individuals,” he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69158/ceasefire-for-children--truce-eyed-in-s--luzon-as-soldiers-rebels-attend-to-flood-victims