MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense Thursday announced the dates of the government's unilateral ceasefire, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte backpedaled on his initial aversion to the idea and declared a holiday truce with Maoist rebels. According to the Defense department, the unilateral ceasefire with the communist militants would be from 6 p.m. on December 23 up to 6 p.m. December 26. The truce would kick into effect again from 6 p.m. on December 30 up to 6 p.m. on January 2. The DND also urged security personnel to be vigilant and mindful of their safety in their areas of responsibility. READ: Pimentel: No inconsistency in ceasefire declaration

Source: Philippine Star December 21, 2017 09:56 UTC