Birthday gift to Pope Francis? CPP declares ceasefire for Christmas holidays, papal vsit 

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared on Wednesday ceasefire to all commands and units of the New People's Army (NPA) and people's militia during the holidays and the papal visit. 

 

Ceasefire will be implemented on the following dates: 

 

During these dates, the NPA and other people's militia are not to carry out offensive operations against Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the various armed paramilitary groups attached to the Government of the Philippines (GPH).

 

"This declaration is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people in their observance of traditional holidays which coincides with the CPP anniversary celebrations on December 26," the CPP said in a post on its website.

 

CPP said that the ceasefire was also declared during Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines since it is "opportunity for religious celebration and to raise outstanding issues such as military abuses and violations of human rights and children’s rights, Hacienda Luisita and widespread landlessness, poverty and exploitation of peasants and workers, bureaucratic corruption and government neglect of calamity survivors and the poor."

 

Coincidentally, the CPP declared ceasefire on Pope Francis' 77th birthday. 

 

Defense mode 

 

However, the CPP reminded all the units of NPA and the people's militia to remain in active defense mode. 

 

"All commanders, Red fighters and militia should remain ever vigilant and alert against the treacherous encroachment of operating military troops and police personnel of the GPH into the territories of the people’s democratic government," the CPP said. — VC, GMA News