DND to implement unilateral and reciprocal holiday ceasefire with communists

December 23, 2019

The Department of National Defense (DND) said it will implement a unilateral and reciprocal holiday ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front ( CPP-NPA-NDF).

“Following the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive, a unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF will be in effect from 12:00 am of 23 December 2019 until 07 January 2020, 11:59 pm,”  said Arsenio Andolong, DND public affairs service chief, in a statement on Monday.

Andolong said the implementation of the ceasefire was disseminated to all  military units nationwide.

“The appropriate directive has already been properly communicated and disseminated to all AFP ( Armed Forces of the Philippines) units,” he said.

However, Andolong assures that the “AFP will remain on alert, and stand ready respond to any threats to the safety and security of our communities.”

The unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire was declared by Duterte on Sunday despite the recent pronouncement of the DND and AFP they will not recommend a holiday ceasefire this year. Robina Asido/DMS