CPP-NPA truce goes into effect

MANILA, Philippines: The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Operations Command of the New People's Army (NPA) announced that their two-day holiday truce is in effect.

According to the CPP-NPA, the truce started at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, December 25 and will last until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26.

In addition, the groups said the truce will allow assemblies and gatherings that will commemorate the CPP's 55th anniversary, as well as the traditional holiday celebrations among its people.

However, the NPA units remain on high-alert, should there be any hostile movements from its supposed enemies, referring to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who did not reciprocate the ceasefire.

«The AFP cannot control its bloodlust. They cannot give even a short respite to the masses who are tired of the presence of armed soldiers in their communities. Even their foot-soldiers are complaining how they are being used as cannon-fodder without letup,» CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena stated.

The CPP leadership said NPA units are expected to resume fighting at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27.