CPP declares nationwide ceasefire
THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared a ceasefire and ordered the New People’s Army (NPA) to observe the truce starting at 12 a.m. of March 26, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. of April 15, 2020.
The declaration was issued days after the Philippine government declared a unilateral ceasefire as it focused all efforts in containing the coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) that has infected hundreds in the country.
“[T]he Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines
hereby orders all commands and units of the New People’s Army and the people’s militias to observe a nationwide ceasefire that will take effect from 00:00H of 26 March 2020 to 23:59H of 15 April 2020,” the ceasefire order read.
The CPP said a truce would facilitate the unhampered and immediate delivery of medical, health and economic assistance to people affected by the enhanced community quarantine.
“This ceasefire is also a gesture towards national unity and based on humanitarian principles in the context of the serious public emergency to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all,” it added.
It said the ceasefire would also “potentially contribute” to the “positive atmosphere” of the holding of informal talks preparatory to the formal meeting in resuming the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the ceasefire declaration and called on communist rebels to “reflect” on what peace really means.
“Let this be a time also for them to accept with all honesty, with sincerity, and let this be a moment for them also to reflect on the true meaning of peace, the true meaning of patriotism so that we altogether work collectively...in combating Covid-19,” Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres, acting AFP spokesman, said.
Torres said a ceasefire was a “welcome development,” but he lamented that from the time the government declared its unilateral truce, several violations have been monitored.
He claimed that based on past experiences, communist rebels still launched attacks against soldiers and civilians despite the declaration of a ceasefire.
“I just hope that by this time, they will be sincere not only for the period of the Covid-19 [pandemic] but forever. Let this be a time for them to really reflect, to truly establish lasting peace and eventually, sustainable development,” Torres said.