Wednesday, December 23, 2015

AFP declares unilateral ceasefire vs NPA rebels in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): AFP declares unilateral ceasefire vs NPA rebels in Bicol

The Philippine Army in Bicol announced on Tuesday that it would suspend its military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) starting Wednesday until New Year's Day, Maj. Angelo Guzman, Philippine Army Southern Luzon Command spokesperson, said.

Guzman said the 10-day unilateral ceasefire will take effect on Wednesday and will end on January 1 next year.

He said the ceasefire will only cover military operations against the NPA and does not cover law enforcement operations conducted by the Philippine National Police that the AFP supports against other threat groups and wanted personalities in the region.

The AFP’s suspension of military operations (SOMO) is in compliance with President Benigno Aquino III's directive declaring a temporary cessation of hostilities against the NPA rebels.

Guzman said the ceasefire will also allow the soldiers time to spend Christmas and New Year holidays with their families and loved ones.

“We appeal to the NPAs in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions to use this moment to reflect on our call to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law,” the Army officer said, adding “Let us be one in keeping this tradition of peace, sharing and loving alive in our hearts as Filipinos,” he added.

The unilateral declaration of SOMO was recommended by the Department of National Defense.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840853

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