Peace adviser hopes NPA will declare own holiday ceasefire

MANILA, Philippines — The presidential peace adviser on Thursday said he hopes communist rebels will reciprocate a unilateral ceasefire that the government announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said that the ceasefire, announced on Wednesday, "is a clear indication of his unwavering desire to bring sustainable and durable peace in the land despite the cancelation of peace negotiations."

Duterte, in recent speeches, had been saying that there would be no ceasefire and that he believes peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front of the Philippines will go nowhere. 

Statement of Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza on President Duterte's declaration of unilateral ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/0iSWgFmwHp

— OPAPP (@peacegovph) December 21, 2017

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had recommended against declaring a ceasefire, saying Wednesday that he was "actually adamant" about sustaining military operations. He has said, however, that the military will comply with the president's directive.

"Although arrived at unilaterally upon the president's sole determination, it is my personal expectation — and the public as well, I'm sure — that the CPP and its armed organs will extend reciprocity to President Duterte's gesture of peace," Dureza said.

Dureza said the ceasefire "is for the benefit of all peace-loving citizens as the world celebrates the Christmas season." 

The secretary, who was also peace adviser during the Arroyo administration, called the ceasefire — traditionally observed annually — "is a brave step."

Sison: NPA on alert despite government ceasefire

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison said on Thursday that the NPA will remain vigilant despite the government’s declaration of the unilateral ceasefire.

“Alerto lang ang NPA laban sa panlilinlang, pagsalakay at okupasyon ng mga baryo ng kaaway (The NPA will continue to be on alert against the deception, attack and occupation of villages by the enemies),” Sison said, referring to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

He said the NPA will not stage attacks if the military and police forces refrain from the same.

“Pero malamang na pakunwari ang SOMO (But the Suspension of Military Operations is probably a sham),” Sison said.

Malacañang announced a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels to “lessen the apprehension of the public this Christmas season.”

President Rodrigo Duterte said he is hoping the rebels would reciprocate his gesture of ceasefire.

“If the communist will opt to do this, then it’s fine. Otherwise, we will still hold the ceasefire,” the president said in an interview after attending the 82nd anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Wednesday.

Duterte earlier branded the CPP-NPA as “terrorists” after cancelling the peace talks last month.

READ: Malacañang declares Christmas ceasefire

Schedule of truce

Despite Lorenzana's recommendation against SOMO, the Department of National Defense on Thursday issued the schedule of the unilateral ceasefire this holiday season.

The truce will take 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.

“We urge those who are waging war against our sovereign government and inflicting harm on the Filipino people to spend this period in reflection and seriously reconsider returning to the fold of law,” DND said in a statement.

The department also called on the security forces to maintain their vigilance during the ceasefire.

READ: Lorenzana rejects Reds' condition for cease-fire