President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a Christmas truce between communist rebels and the military so Filipinos can have a stress-free celebration this holiday.
On Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement “The President announced last night a suspension of military operations (SOMO) from December 24, 2017, to January 2, 2018.”
He said that they are hoping the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front would do the same.
“This unilateral ceasefire would lessen the apprehension of the public this Christmas season. We expect that the CPP-NPA-NDFP would do a similar gesture of goodwill,” Roque added.
Duterte on Tuesday night said that if he will declare a ceasefire, it is not addressed to the NPA but due to his desire to celebrate Christmas with Filipinos without any stress.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 12/ 20/ 17)