5-day unilateral holiday ceasefire stays — PH communist partyBy The Manila TimesTHE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Friday maintained that the unilateral ceasefire of its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), will stand despite its order to intensify attacks against government security forces. The call to heighten its attacks against military forces stemmed from Congress’ extension of martial law for another year in Mindanao on Wednesday during a joint session. Last week, the NPA declared a unilateral ceasefire in line with the holiday season and the CPP’s 50th founding anniversary on December 26. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the AFP both dismissed the declaration, saying the government will not reciprocate the holiday truce of the communist fighters. DEMPSEY REYES

Source: Manila Times December 14, 2018 03:56 UTC