Gov’t declares unilateral, reciprocal ceasefire with Reds

December 22, 2019

The Philippine government Sunday night declared a unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). 

It also announced that the government's peace panel with the NDF will be reconstituted, with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of the members, said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement.

''The ceasefire will be implemented nationwide, and it shall be effective from 12:00 am of 23 December 2019 and shall last until 11:59 pm of 07 January 2020,'' added  Panelo. 

Duterte instructed the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, to issue an official declaration therefor and communicate the directive for a national armistice with the CPP-NPA-NDF to their respective agents and armed units during the period. said Panelo.

''With the undertaking of these confidence-building measures -a reflection of the seriousness and commitment of the GRP, as well as a mark of goodwill on the part of the Commander-in-Chief - the Office of the President looks forward to the possible resumption of peace talks with the NDF, achieve accord with the whole coalition and ultimately, attain a lasting peace among the citizenry of our country,'' said Panelo. 

This came after the peace panels of the Philippine government and the NDF recommended a unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire for the Christmas holidays.

A few hours before Malacanang's announcement, the CPP’s Central Committee ordered “all commands and units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militias a nationwide ceasefire order that will take effect from 00:00H of 23 December 2019 to 23:59H of 7 January 2020.” DMS