Covid-19 truce extension up to Malacañang: AFP

FILE: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said the extension of the March 19 to April 15 unilateral ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte in wake of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak is up to Malacañang.

The communist rebels reciprocated by declaring their own version of a ceasefire effective March 26 to April 15.

“The ceasefire declaration emanated from (Malacañang).

Let us await any guidance or announcement about it,” AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a media message.

The truce was declared so that the government and the AFP can focus on containing the spread of the Covid-19.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.