The Department of National Defense (DND) set on Thursday the dates for the unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels for the holiday season, following the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend offensive operations. “The DND announces the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire against the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army) by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines from 6p.m. Dec. 23 to 6 p.m. Dec. 26; and 6 p.m. Dec. 30 to 6 p.m. Jan.2,” DND spokesperson Dir. Duterte declared last Wednesday the unilateral ceasefire to allow Filipinos to celebrate a “stress-free” holiday season, two weeks after he scrapped the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). He also reminded the government security forces to maintain their vigilance and be mindful of their safety during the ceasefire.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 21, 2017 01:30 UTC