DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 17, 2012) – The Philippine military has declared an 18-day unilateral Christmas truce days barely two weeks after communist rebels imposed a 29-day cease-fire in Mindanao to give way to unhampered relief operations to victims of typhoon Bopha that devastated the southern region.
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr. said the truce began on December 16 and would last until January 3 next year.
“The 18-day unilateral ceasefire is a privilege given to rebels but it does not restrict the military from doing its security routines, excluding the conduct of deliberate military offensive, such as combat operation,” he said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, a spokesman for 10th Infantry Division in Mindanao, said troops would abide by the truce, but will continue to conduct security measures to ensure safety and security of civilians.
“Our mandate to protect civilian communities will remain on top of our priorities as we continue to provide assistance in the relief mission with the local government units and stakeholders,” Paniza said.
New People’s Army rebels, who are fighting for a separate state, have imposed their own cease-fire beginning December 5 to January 3. (Mindanao Examiner)
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