SOLCOM welcomes CPP-NPA’s ceasefire offer during calamity relief operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 23): SOLCOM welcomes CPP-NPA’s ceasefire offer during calamity relief operations

The Southern Luzon Command said Friday it welcomed the demand of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for a temporary ceasefire to allow unhampered delivery of relief goods to the victims of the massive flooding in some areas in the country.

Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, SOLCOM Commander expressed that the command is grateful and appreciates the gestures of the CPP-NPA to extend their assistance to the flood victims.

“Sa panahong ito kailangan nating magtulungan para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayang nasalanta ng walang tigil na pag-ulan at pagbaha (In times like this, we need to help each other for the welfare of our fellowmen who are victims of the torrential rains and floods),” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo remarked.

He disclosed the command has been at the forefront of conducting disaster relief and rescue operations as it continues to augment and deploy troops and transportation since Monday.

SOLCOM and Office of Civil Defense units along with other government agencies have since conducted aerial survey to assess the damage and current flood situation particularly in the provinces of Laguna and Cavite.

Ordoyo said that the SOLCOM Operations center units such as the Philippine Army engineers and Philippine Air Force personnel from 740th Combat Group have already embarked and fast tracked the relief operations and clean-up drive with the local government units and non-government organizations in the flood affected areas.

SOLCOM has also activated its relief operations dubbed as “BAYANIHAN para sa mga Nasalanta ng Bagyong Maring.”

In connection with the ceasefire offer, Ordoyo said his command has endorsed the appropriate recommendation on the CPP-NPA’s demand and awaits for further directive and guidance from the higher headquarters.

In the meantime, Ordoyo encouraged all community members, civil society and the CPP-NPA to continue and to exert efforts in providing assistance to all typhoon and flood-affected residents.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=558175