Malacañang assured it will immediately report to the public if President Rodrigo Duterte has a new decision on the unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there are calls for the President not to extend the ceasefire since the groups are not abiding by the agreement. “May tatlong insidente po kasi na nagpapakita na walang isang salita ang CPP-NPA. Nagkaroon po ng pang-aagaw ng relief goods diyan sa Eastern Samar na pinatunayan pa ng isang resolution ng local government unit (There are three incidents showing the CPP-NPA does not keep its word. There was a seizure of relief goods in Eastern Samar which was proven by a resolution of the local government unit),” Roque said.
“Meron pong engkwentro na nangyari diyan sa Rodriguez, Rizal. At meron din pong mga hinack, mga tinaga na katutubo diyan sa Surigao (There was an encounter in Rodriguez, Rizal. And there were those that were hacked, the slain indigenous people in Surigao),” he added.
The ceasefire declared initially by the President has ended last April 15 to give way to cooperation against the COVID-19. – Report from Mela Lesmoras