Military welcomes unilateral ceasefire

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 26): Military welcomes unilateral ceasefire

The military welcomes and supports President Rodrigo Dutere’s order for a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said all operating units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Davao Region and parts of Region XII have been ordered to stand down in support to the president’s call for peace and unity.

“We have ordered our line units to stop all offensive operations against the NPA effective immediately without sacrificing the security and safety of our troops and the security of all vital facilities, installations and population centers,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address called on the communist rebels to stop the decades of ambuscades and skirmishes which are leading to nowhere.

“It is getting bloodier by the day,” he pointed out.

He announced a unilateral ceasefire with the CNN effective immediately to immediately stop the violence on the communities, consequently restoring peace and provide and environment conducive to the resumption of the peace process.

Duterte also called on the Filipinos in the NDF to respond accordingly.

“Let me make this appeal to you: If we cannot, as yet, love one another, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much so it was said.  I say the same to you today.

We will strive to have a permanent and lasting peace before my term ends. That is my goal that is my dream,” he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381469496005/military-welcomes-unilateral-ceasefire