PINAIGSI sa anim na araw ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang Christmas unilateral ceasefire sa New People’s Army (NPA) mula sa unang idineklara niyang sampung araw.
Sa press briefing sa Palasyo kahapon, sinabi ni Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, epektibo ang Christmas truce mula alas-sais ng gabi ng 23 Disyembre hanggang hatinggabi ng 26 Diyembre 2017 at mula alas-sais ng gabi 30 Disyembre hanggang 02 Enero 2018.
“Well, the President asked me to announce it on our Cabinet Christmas party. But it is always the President’s prerogative to change his decision. That’s part of Executive power,” ani Roque nang tanungin kung ano ang dahilan sa pagbabago ng desisyon ng Pangulo.
Kaugnay nito, tinawag na kalokohan ni Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison ang idineklarang Christmas truce ni Duterte.
Ani Sison, mananatiling alerto ang NPA laban sa posibleng pag-atake ng tropa ng pamahalaan.
Para kay Roque, imbes pintasan, dapat magpasalamat ang publiko sa isinusulong na unilateral ceasefire ni Duterte.
“He could have ignored it completely and not declared anything. But I felt it was a right decision because finally, I personally felt it’s Christmas with the announcement. If Joma Sison did not feel any spirit of Christmas because of the (SOMO), well, I feel sorry for him… that’s what happens when you’re not here in the Philippines anyway,” giit ni Roque.
Umaasa si Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza na susuklian ng NPA ng deklarasyong tigil-putukan ang unilateral ceasefire ng gobyerno.
“President Duterte’s unilateral declaration is a bold step. It is a clear indication of his unwavering desire to bring sustainable and durable peace in the land despite the cancellation of peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF,” ani Dureza sa isang kalatas.
“Although arrived at unilaterally upon the President’s sole determination, it is my personal expectation – and the public as well, I’m sure – that the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed organs will extend reciprocity to President Duterte’s gesture for peace,” aniya.
Matatandaan, kinansela ni Pangulong Duterte ang peace talks sa mga rebeldeng komunista at idineklarang terrorist organization ang CPP-NPA bunsod ng marahas na pag-atake at pangingikil sa mga negosyante.
ni ROSE NOVENARIO