In a news conference, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said Duterte was hoping the NPA would reciprocate his holiday gesture. He’s hopeful but if [the NPA does not reciprocate], then it will prove what he has been saying all along, that the NPA are treacherous. So the ball is on the court of the NPA,” Roque told reporters. On Wednesday, Duterte announced a suspension of military operations (SOMO) against communist rebels from December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had recommended against declaring a ceasefire, saying on Wednesday he was “actually adamant” about sustaining military offensives against the rebels.

Source: Manila Times December 21, 2017 16:18 UTC