NPA declares 5-day ceasefire in Caraga

MANILA, Philippines — The New People’s Army-North Eastern Mindanao Region (NPA–NEMR) has suspended its tactical offensives from May 14 to 18.

“In deference to the... people’s right to vote freely during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the regional operational command of the NPA-NEMR directs all units of the NPA and the People’s Militia under its command to temporarily suspend the launching of tactical offensives against the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and CAFGU (Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit),” Ariel Montero, NPA-NEMR spokesman said in a statement.

However, Montero said NPA fighters should remain on alert against “deceptive attacks” of the military.

He also urged the police and military to stop harassing civilians or interfering in the elections.

“They must refrain from exerting influence and pressure on voters... They must not launch military operations during this time,” Montero said.

2 soldiers killed

Meanwhile, two soldiers were killed in an encounter with NPA rebels in Ragay, Camarines Sur on Sunday.

Personnel of the 96th Infantry Batallion were checking the reported presence of communist guerrillas in Barangay Salvacion when they clashed with an undetermined number of rebels.

“We received a report that NPA rebels were urging villagers to vote for their candidates,” Col. Ferosaldo Paul Regencia, 9th Infantry Division spokesman, said.  – Ben Serrano, Celso Amo, Jaime Laude