AFP announces cease-fire with leftist militants for one month

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The military announced a month-long unilateral truce with the leftist New People's Army (NPA) today.

Interviewed at the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, AFP chief Gregorio Pio Catapang said the Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) will commence at the midnight of Dec. 18 and will last until the midnight of Jan. 19.

"The declaration of the SOMO against the NPA will highlight the government's sincerity to pursue peace," said Catapang.

Catapang said humanitarian assistance, disaster response and defensive operations will have to continue during the period of the truce. The military is involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts in the areas recently devastated by Typhoon Hagupit.

Catapang said military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) will continue during the holiday season."The ASG and the BIFF, we will continue to hunt them," he said.

Both groups have been fighting against the government troops in southern Philippines.