MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) declared a four-day truce starting today in some areas in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.
National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao spokesman Rubi del Mundo said the truce is meant to ensure the " safe and orderly" release of a soldier and a policeman which the NPA has held captive since January.
Leftist rebels seized Pfc. Jezreel Maata Culango of the Philippine Army's 60th Infantry Battalion and policeman Ruel Pasion in Laak town, Compostela Valley on Jan. 17.
Del Mundo urged the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division to also declare a four-day truce so as not to delay the release of the two.
Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division, said there is no need for the Philippine Army to declare a truce as it has not conducted offensive operations against the NPAs since typhoon Bopha (local name Pablo) devastated Mindanao last December.