Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 16) — The Communist Party of the Philippines declared on Thursday the extension of its nationwide ceasefire to April 30, citing the need to “prioritize the fight against the pandemic.”
In a statement on its website, the CPP said it has ordered the New People’s Army “to continue to desist and cease” from carrying out offensives against government forces. It said during the ceasefire period, all of their actions will be limited to defense operations.
The CPP said the order was made to shift priority to the anti-COVID-19 campaign, adding that its forces are ready to cooperate in order to ensure “quick and unimpeded support” to all those requiring urgent assistance during the health crisis.
On March 25, the CPP declared a ceasefire initially intended to last until April 15, following the recommendation of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
It said the ceasefire order has been observed “despite the difficulties and dangers brought about by the continuing occupation of AFP combat troops,” and other forms of attacks “mounted by the AFP’s strike forces against detected NPA units.”
The CPP also reiterated its call for the “urgent release” of all political prisoners and for declaring a general amnesty. The party also expressed its desire for the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the NDFP.
