MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to declare a unilateral ceasefire against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), effective March 19, to April 15, 2020.
The President has directed the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cease and desist from carrying out offensive military and police operations during the ceasefire period.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said:
“In view of the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon amidst the threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has decided to declare a unilateral ceasefire against the (CPP-NPA-NDF), effective 00:00H of March 19, 2020 to 24:00H of April 15, 2020.”
The AFP and PNP will issue the corresponding orders to implement the unilateral ceasefire, including Suspension of Offensive Military and Police Operations (SOMO).
Through the ceasefire, Panelo said the Philippine Government aspires that the swift provision of public health assistance goes unimpeded with the movement of health workers and medical supplies to communities, as well as of people in need of immediate medical attention remains unhampered.
Duterte placed the island of Luzon under quarantine until April 12 in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Panelo said the declaration of unilateral ceasefire is to ensure government would be able to efficiently address the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
People residing in Luzon are mandated to observe strict home quarantine and limit their movement during the month-long quarantine period.
CPP founder Jose Maria Sison on Tuesday said the CPP will consider Duterte’s ceasefire proposal amid the government’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. (with reports from PNA)
