MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:34 a.m.) — The New People's Army will observe a unilateral ceasefire "in observance of the Filipino people’s traditional holidays and the Communist Party of the Philippines' 49th anniversary" on December 26. The ceasefire order applies "to all commands and units of the NPA and the people’s militia." "This unilateral declaration of ceasefire shall be in effect from 6 p.m. of December 23 to 6 p.m. of December 26; and 6 p.m. of December 30 to 6 p.m. of January 2, 2018," Madlos said. 'Active defense'The NPA said that despite the ceasefire, its units will maintain active defense against security forces. According to the Defense department on Thursday, the unilateral ceasefire with the communist militants would be from 6 p.m. on December 23 up to 6 p.m. December 26.

Source: Philippine Star December 22, 2017 03:31 UTC