Mindanao governors welcome holiday ceasefire, say it is good for families, communities

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30): Mindanao governors welcome holiday ceasefire, say it is good for families, communities

Mindanao governors welcomed on Tuesday the government’s unilateral declaration of suspension of military and police operations (SOMO/SOPO) against the communist rebels as it allows families and communities to celebrate the Yuletide season in peace.

“Our people have suffered too much for too long. Communities often bear the brunt of the crossfires even without being party to the conflict,” said Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel.

“The government’s unilateral declaration of ceasefire against the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front is a goodwill gesture to every family and community who fully deserve a break from fear and threat.”

At the same time, Pimentel appealed to the communist rebels to do the same and “not use the ongoing ceasefire to merely further atrocities on the ground.”

Respect the ceasefire

Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolf Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza, for his part, also welcomed the standing SOPO/SOMO against the communist rebels.

Plaza expressed hope that the “CPP/NPA/NDF would respect those who want to reconnect and rest from the gunfight this season and not spoil the spirit of the season so that families can celebrate in peace.”

“Especially for us at the local, the ceasefire is a gift to every family longing to see their loved ones this season. Laying down your arms — regardless of whether you are a rebel or a soldier — gives you an extra hand to embrace your wife and children waiting for you at home,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we are all Filipinos and should end atrocities with each other.”

Not giving up

At the same time, Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas noted that “the ceasefire — alongside peace and development initiatives — can be taken as a sign of government’s commitment to peace. It is a gesture that shows how the government has always kept the welfare of the Filipino people in mind.”

Gov. Matugas, however, pointed out that “there is nothing our people would want more than sustained peace in their communities.”

“I hope that we can work together on this collective aspiration so that, one day, no family has to lose a father in war, no child has be an orphan or a wife to be a widow — that, one day, peace in communities would last beyond New Year and Christmas because peace has taken root in us all,” she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=842228