Philippine government declares unilateral ceasefire
Reuters reported on December 15 that Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang said President Benigno Aquino has suspended military operations against Maoist rebels for a month to celebrate Christmas and the visit of Pope Francis.
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| Philippine President Benigno Aquino. Source: AFP/VNA |
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"The announcement of a halt to military attacks against the New People's Army (NPA) movement will clearly show that the government is truly committed to pursuing peace," he said.
This will be the longest Christmas ceasefire in three decades.
However, Philippine military spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla stressed that the ceasefire does not include the Abu Sayyaf Islamist rebel group operating on the islands of Basilan and Jolo in the country's remote southern region.
According to Vietnam+
