The NPA’s two-part ceasefire matched the same time frame of the truce ordered on Thursday by President Duterte, but shorter by about 12 hours. Peaceful celebration“We expect that the CPP-NPA would honor their word and comply with the unilateral ceasefire, so that our people could truly experience a peaceful Christmas celebration,” he said. The peace of dialogue attains peace.”Mayor Joselito Ojeda of Mulanay town in Quezon province said the fate of the talks depended on the Christmas ceasefire. But Sison, who has been living in exile in the Netherlands since 1987, said the decision to declare a holiday ceasefire still rested with the CPP leadership. Government forces and NPA rebels have previously declared separate unilateral ceasefires during the Christmas season.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 22, 2017 23:15 UTC