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DND declares unilateral holiday ceasefire with communist rebels


The Department of National Defense officially declared on Thursday morning a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels for certain days during the holiday season.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the ceasefire will take effect from 6 p.m. of December 23 to 6 p.m. of December 26; and from 6 p.m. of December 30 to 6 p.m. of January 2, according to a report of Glen Juego on  Dobol B sa News TV.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., however, would later say that instead of 6 p.m.  of December 26 and January 2, the ceasefire will end at 11:59 p.m. of those days.

The declaration came a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a suspension of combat operations against New People's Army combatants.

Duterte said on Wednesday that the ceasefire will be from December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018.

The DND urged communist rebels to reflect during the holidays and seriously consider yielding to the government.

“We urge those who are waging war against our sovereign government and inflicting harm on the Filipino people to spend this period in reflection and seriously reconsider returning to the fold of law,” the DND said.

It also directed government troops to maintain vigilance and be mindful of their safety in their areas of responsibility during the ceasefire.

The DND further encouraged citizens to cooperate and stand with the troops who are ensuring peace and security in the communities. —Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas and Amita Legaspi/LBG/KG/MDM, GMA News

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