By The Cornicles News Team
December 23, 2017
Just last month, Duterte said that he have no plans on calling off a truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines(CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), which was emphasized by the Malacanang, with Roque saying that they will remain firm on their decision of not having a suspension of military operations (SOMO) with the members of NPA even on Christmas holidays.
However, Roque said last Wednesday, “Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of our countrymen.” He also said that the "unilateral ceasefire would lessen the apprehension of the public this Christmas season." And they are expecting that the communist rebels would “do the similar gesture of goodwill.”
In an interview with Duterte, when asked if his decision on declaring a ceasefire was final, he said if he would declare a ceasefire, it is not for the NPAs. It is for the Filipinos to celebrate Christmas without stress. He also said that he do not want to add more tension to those who already suffering now.
MANILA, Philippines— President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte changed the dates of the government’s unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels the next day after already having it set on December 24 to January 2, 2018 last Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed in a press conference that said unilateral ceasefire of government will now run from 6 p.m. of December 23 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, and will resume at 6 p.m. of December 30 until 11:59 p.m. of January 2.
