The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Philippine government welcomed the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) order of a six-day ceasefire, from Dec. 24 to 26, and Dec. 31 to Jan. 2, 2012.

Chief government peace negotiator Alex Padilla said they are “heartened” with the declaration of a ceasefire and the CPP and its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA) willingness to help in the relief and rescue operations in areas affected by typhoon Sendong.

In a statement, the Central Committee of the CPP said, “This ceasefire order is particularly significant for commands and units of the NPA operating in Mindanao and Visayas provinces stricken by the calamities of the past few days. This will provide NPA commands the opportunity to mobilize its forces in order to assist the masses suffering from the loss of lives and destruction of their homes and economic livelihood.”

The CPP earlier stated, “The large number of victims underscores the fact that the government failed to put into place sufficient preparations. It is extremely callous for the government to blame the people for their sufferings.”

According to the group, the ceasefire order was also issued “in solidarity with the Filipino people’s traditional celebrations of the Christmas and New Year holidays. This will also provide opportunity to the revolutionary masses to join various activities to mark the CPP’s 43rd foundation anniversary on December 26.”

During the unilateral ceasefire, all NPA units are ordered to desist from carrying out offensives but to be in “defensive mode…against any encroachment on the territory of the people’s democratic government.”

CPP cautioned that “active self-defense shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and imminent danger.”

Gov’t ceasefire slammed

Earlier, the Philippine military announced an 18-day “suspension of military offensives” from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2.

However, the CPP dismissed the announcement, saying the government ceasefire is useless since the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “persist on committing abuses and violating human rights as they conduct their so-called civil military and intelligence gathering operations within civilian communities.”

The group said the government ceasefire will only be substantial if the military would withdraw all their troops stationed and dismantle military detachments  within civilian communities, end imposition of illegal searches, curfews, food blockades and human rights violations.

The group accused the Aquino regime of “duplicity” for ordering a ceasefire while allowing terror activities in guise of psywar, reconnaissance and intelligence operations.”