Amid the health crisis in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front (NDF) effective March 19 to April 15.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the government expects unimpeded provision of public health assistance and unhampered travel of health workers and delivery of medical supplies.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to temporarily suspend all operations against the Communist terrorist groups.
“With the said declaration, I hereby direct the Philippine National Police to terminate all on-going and planned offensive police operations against the Communist terrorist groups in all parts of the country and, instead, focus all efforts to stop the spread of the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19).”
Whereas the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is concentrated on suppressing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In a briefing Wednesday night, the IATF has ensured the price freeze on market products amidst the current crisis.
“The price freeze covering basic necessities is being done to ensure that food and essential goods remain affordable to all. It is also being done to ensure that no one takes advantage of anyone,” Cabinet Secretary and IATF spokesperson Karlo Nograles has stated.
