Cessation of hostilities felt in countryside as peace talks start in Oslo

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 24): Cessation of hostilities felt in countryside as peace talks start in Oslo

Guns and bombs have silence in the countryside of Davao Region following the resumption of talks between the government and the communist rebels in Oslo, Norway since August 22, according to Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division.

Speaking to reporters at the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing at the Davao City Police Office, he said that no armed confrontation or any relative violent incident happened between the government forces and the rebels since the talks resumed.

Batchar said the military also aspires that the cessation of hostilities between the government and the rebels will go on until a final peace agreement will be realized.
“We are one with the government in the pursuit for peace,” he stressed.

Batchar said the soldiers will maintain its presence in conducting peace and development programs in the communities but will no longer conduct deliberate operations against the rebels.

He said the military will just maintain its defensive posture.

“People can rely on us that we are there in times of contingencies,” Batchar said.

Senior Inspector Catherine de la Rey, spokesperson of the DCPO said that the police will focus its operation on enforcing the laws and the campaign of the Philippine National Police against illegal drugs.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381472025311/cessation-of-hostilities-felt-in-countryside-as-peace-talks-start-in-oslo