MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:48 a.m.) — Malacañang on Wednesday declared a suspension of military operations against the communist rebels from December 24, 2017 to Jan. 2, 2018.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the "unilateral ceasefire would lessen the apprehension of the public this Christmas season."
"We expect that the [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines] would do a similar gesture of goodwill," Roque also said.
Roque said that President Rodrigo Duterte reached the decision on Tuesday night.
'Ceasefire is for Filipinos'
In a chance interview early Wednesday morning, Duterte was asked if his earlier decision to call off the truce with the communists was final.
The chief executive replied: "[I]f I declare a ceasefire, it is not addressed to the NPAs. Rather, I would want to celebrate Christmas with the rest of humankind or Filipinos, without stress."
He added that he "will think about it."
"The ceasefire is a unilateral action of government to refrain from attacking. A lot of people are going around, even at night, enjoying Christmas day or whatever. Going to masses," Duterte also said.
"I do not want to add more strain to what people are now suffering," he also said.
Duterte said this while attending the wake of a police slain in an anti-drug operation in Pasig City.
Hours later, the Malacañang released Duterte's announcement of a suspension of military operations.
Ceasefire not recommended
Duterte, on November 22, said that there will be no truce with the communist rebels in December.
He stressed that he "does not want to walk with them anymore."
Malacañang reiterated this position on Sunday. Roque said in a statement: “The decision not to declare a suspension of military operations (SOMO) with the members of the New People’s Army over the Christmas holidays stays. Our defenders would not stand down as there has been call on the other side to launch offensives against state forces."
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, on December 12, also recommended against a SOMO with the NPA.
But Roque, on Wednesday, said "Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of our countrymen."
"In the observance of this occasion, we hope that all Filipinos would stand together as one nation and aspire for peace in our beloved Philippines," he also said.