President Rodrigo Duterte is hopeful that the communist rebels would reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire of the government this holiday season, Malacañang said Thursday. Roque reiterated Duterte’s earlier statement, saying the holiday ceasefire was for the benefit of the Filipinos. In a statement, Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said he was also hopeful that the communist rebels would reciprocate the gesture of the President. He said the holiday ceasefire was “for the benefit of all peace-loving citizens as the world celebrates the Christmas season.”“President Duterte’s unilateral declaration is a bold step. Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison had earlier called Duterte’s declaration of holiday ceasefire as a “sham.” /jeADVERTISEMENT

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 21, 2017 09:09 UTC