Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) are observing the unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire being declared by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), but they won’t hesitate to engage state forces if attacked, a spokesperson of the New People’s Army (NPA) said Thursday (Dec. 26).
The declaration of a ceasefire in the Christmas season by both government and Communist rebels is a cause for celebration for Filipinos, a peace advocate group said.
Media organizations here have applauded the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City for finding the principal suspects and others who were accused of perpetrating the Ampatuan massacre guilty on Thursday (Dec. 19).
A Moro group has sounded alarm on the planned establishment of a military installation in Marawi City.
Norma Acuña (right), 72, lights a candle as she offers a prayer for those who perished in the flood brought by Typhoon Sendong eight years ago on Dec. 16, 2011 at the Sendong Memorial Wall in Gaston Park, Cagayan de Oro, Monday (Dec. 16). Acuña is a Sendong survivor. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/davaotoday.com)