From the Website of OPPAP
links: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/cpp-npa-ndf/news/gph-peace-panel-lauds-p-noy%E2%80%99s-approval-truce-cpp-npa-ndfp
GPH peace panel lauds P-Noy’s approval of truce with CPP-NPA-NDFP
Manila, Dec. 16 – The government peace panel in talks with the
Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic
Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) lauded President Benigno Aquino
III’s call to approve the 18-day ceasefire with the communist rebels.
The President declared his approval of the suspension of offensive
military operations (SOMO) after the budget signing on Thursday.
“We are hopeful that the CPP-NPA-NDFP will reciprocate this gesture
of the President with their own ceasefire albeit unilateral,” government
chief negotiator Alex Padilla said.
“Besides giving our people 18 days of peace in this Holy Season, we
hope this becomes a prelude to a longer, more meaningful ceasefire that
will allow peace negotiations to continue and bring our nation to a just
and lasting peace.”
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles also
expressed her determination to carry on with the peace process.
“It shows that the government hears and heeds our people’s call for a
peaceful Christmas and seeks, through this, to nurture people’s hopes
and persistent efforts to attain peace in the coming year,” Deles
stated. “Our security forces will maintain defensive positions through
this period, but for the sake of our people, we hope that all groups
will refrain from actions that will disturb our people’s celebration of
this holy season.”
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which
recommended the SOMO to the President, also showed its support in
winning the peace.
“The AFP remains supportive of the government’s peace initiatives and
will continue to exhaust all measures and avenues leading to a just and
lasting peace for the nation,” AFP Spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos
said.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also took note that a
ceasefire will do good to both parties: “It’s always an opportunity for
the rebels to come down from the mountains and be with their families.”
Last year, a holiday ceasefire ensued from December 16 to January 3
as the government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP prepared for the resumption of
the formal peace talks.
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