MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will not declare a holiday truce with the communist rebels a week before Christmas, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENTDefense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said he was not inclined to recommend a unilateral holiday truce with the communist rebels, saying they may the ceasefire to reinforce their ranks. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also earlier said that government has yet to decide whether or not to observe a holiday truce with the communist rebels. READ: Palace still undecided on ‘holiday truce’ but wants ‘permanent truce’ with Reds“There was no word from him (Duterte),” said Panelo when sought for an update on the issue. “The recommendation of the Defense Seretary still stands not to declare truce,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 18, 2018 05:48 UTC