Malacañang is hopeful that the New People’s Army will keep its word and abide by the unilateral ceasefire declared in places hit by last Friday’s magnitude-6.7 earthquake.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has welcomed the rebel ceasefire to help ensure unhampered delivery of relief assistance to quake victims.
“We are glad that the NPA heeded the call of the military for a ceasefire in earthquake-affected areas. We welcome their declaration and hope they do not renege on it as they have previously done,” Andanar said.
At present, Andanar said the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducting damage assessment and rescue, evacuation, and rehabilitation activities. He said such relief operations must be “continuous and remain unhampered so we can deliver immediate aid to the victims of this natural calamity.”
“The government and its forces lean forward to provide the fastest and most expeditious assistance our suffering citizens in Surigao need at this time and distractions from criminal activities by armed groups would not be in their best interest,” he said.
Andanar said national unity is crucial especially in times of calamity.
The National Democratic Front has announced a temporary ceasefire in areas covered by the NPA in Northeastern Mindanao to give way to quake relief efforts.
The truce started last February 11 and will end on February 20. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
