Mindanao prelates support Pres. Duterte's reimposition of ceasefire with CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): Mindanao prelates support Pres. Duterte's reimposition of ceasefire with CPP-NPA

Mindanao prelates expressed support on President Rodrigo R. Duterte's reimposition of ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as it would help attain peace in the region.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said that the Church always supports efforts to achieve peace by encouraging insurgents to sit down and talk.

"We always welcome efforts which are meant to forge peace," he said.

Jumoad added, "I am happy the President is again doing his best to attain peace. There is no other way to peace but only doing peace."

For his part, Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez lauded the decision of the Chief Executive.

"Good, I hope it would last," he said.

Over the weekend, President Duterte approved the offer of the rebel group for a unilateral ceasefire.

Late last month, the President took back his announcement during his maiden State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) declaring a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA, when the group attacked government troops in Davao del Norte days after the announcement was made.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=915904