The Department of National Defense (DND) strongly supports President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“The DND has anticipated and fully supports the restoration of the unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF declared by President Rodrigo Duterte. This declaration, which will take effect on 21 August 2016, is a manifestation of the government’s effort to pursue binding peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF,” DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said.

“With the progress we have made and the work we still have to do, we look forward to put an end to the insurgency problem that has claimed tens of thousands of lives—not just from the ranks of the communist guerrillas and the government defenders but also innocent lives of civilian non-combatants who are caught in the middle,” he added.

Andolong said the DND also welcomes the ceasefire declaration of the CPP-NPA-NDF and views this move as a manifestation of their goodwill in response to the government’s determined and sincere efforts to bring about just and lasting peace in the land.

On Friday, the Communist Party of the Philippines and its New People’s Army (NPA) declared a seven-day unilateral ceasefire hours after the release of its high-ranking leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who were named consultants to peace talks scheduled Aug. 22 to 26 in Oslo, Norway.

The rebel ceasefire will take effect 12:01 a.m. on Sunday until 11:59 p.m., Aug. 27.

We fully support the peace initiatives of the government, and we will direct the immediate implementation of the ceasefire declaration. Our troops will continue performing their constitutional duties to protect our communities, secure our sovereignty and preserve the territorial integrity of our Republic. The ceasefire is not applicable to lawless armed groups,” Andolong stressed.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Philippine News Agency

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