MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang welcomed yesterday the move of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to declare a unilateral ceasefire with the government in observance of the Filipino people’s traditional Christmas holidays.
“We wish the whole nation a peaceful Christmas and New Year,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said yesterday.
The government expects the Reds to honor their ceasefire by not attacking government forces during the period “so that our people could truly experience a peaceful Christmas celebration,” he said.
Roque assured the people that government forces would remain vigilant against any attacks that might disrupt peace and order during the holidays.
“Rest assured that the government will remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of our countrymen. May we all stand together in fulfilling our shared desire of achieving lasting peace throughout the nation,” he said.
President Duterte decided to declare a suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) against the Reds precisely because he wants Filipinos to feel safer during the holiday season, Roque pointed out.
The government’s unilateral ceasefire with the NPA will be from 6 p.m. of Dec. 23 to 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 26, then from 6 p.m. of Dec. 30 until 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 2.
700 surrender
President Duterte personally welcomed back at least 700 NPA rebels who recently surrendered and vowed to protect them.
The President assured the former rebels that they would be given jobs during ceremonies dubbed as “Paghiusa Para sa Kalinaw,” or “Pagkakaisa para sa Kapayapaan,” at the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters here in Barangay Panacan, Davao City.
“It’s my obligation to give you protection just as how I am defending my soldiers,” Duterte said.
The President also offered jobs to the rebel returnees, saying that they can enter the Armed Forces if they want, as he also assured them of financial and housing assistance.
The initiative to entice the rebels to surrender is part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) aimed at building confidence with those who want to turn themselves in.
The program is a joint effort of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), local government units and other stakeholders.
Eleven ethnic Manobo members of the NPA surrendered to the Philippine Army on Thursday.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said yesterday that the 11 surrendered in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.
Dela Vega said they were motivated to return to the fold of the law by stories on how Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu is providing continuing rehabilitation intervention and livelihood support to their more than 90 comrades who surrendered to the Army from January to November this year.
Among the 11 rebels is a 22-year-old ethnic Manobo woman identified as Tatah Tasil.
Bagumbayan Mayor Jonalette de Pedro helped convince the 11 rebels to surrender and avail themelves of the government’s amnesty program for NPA guerrillas.
De Pedro also promised to help extend relief and livelihood support to all of them. – Edith Regalado, John Unson