‘Ceasefire with Reds seen to ensure peace’

MANILA, Philippines - The ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will help ensure peace not only during the holidays but also during the five-day visit of Pope Francis in January next year, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday this would hopefully serve as bridge to resolve misunderstandings among different sectors of society.

President Aquino approved the month-long ceasefire with the CPP and its armed wing New People’s Army, which will end on Jan. 19, the last day of the pontiff’s visit.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina said the unilateral ceasefire started yesterday.

“Upon the recommendation of the AFP as concurred by the PNP and endorsed by the Department of National Defense, the President has approved the unilateral declaration of suspension of military and police operations against the CPP-NPA,” Catapang said.

Catapang and Espina said security forces would continue to perform their functions despite the suspension of military operations (SOMO) and suspension of police operations (SOPO) against the insurgents.

“This is in line with the government’s Christmas tradition, as government has always wished to provide for our people’s peaceful and joyful celebration of this holy season and a hope-filled welcome to a new year,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

In a statement, he said the SOMO and SOPO will also “sustain the goodwill generated from the positive results of the collective disaster preparedness undertaken by government and the communities.

“It will also set the tone for the much-anticipated papal visit in January. With the silencing of guns, our preparations for and celebration of Pope Francis’ visit may be carried out with undistracted prayers and deep hope for abundant blessings,” Lacierda said.–With Alexis Romero, Ric Sapnu