NPA respects Papal visit, offers extended ceasefire
Breaking News • 17:08 PM Thu Jan 8, 2015
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By:
Ferdinandh Cabrera
Members of Far South Mindanao command of the NPA during its recent activity in North Cotabato. (Ferdinandh Cabrera)
KIDAPAWAN CITY– The communist rebels in south Central Mindanao today declared it will extend
the unilateral ceasefire of the government with them in deference to the Papal
visit next week.
Speaking
in a clandestine interview in his mountain hideout in the region, Ka Efren,” spokesperson
of five New Peoples’ Army (NPA) Guerilla Fronts, said most of guerillas were
Catholics and it was just fitting to pay respect during Pope Francis’ visit in
the country from January 15 to 19.
In
observance of the Christmas holidays and the visit of the Argentine pontiff,
the Philippine military declared on Dec. 15 a month-long suspension of military
and police offensives against communist guerillas.
Catholic
Church leaders described the Pope’s visit as privilege as we start the New
Year.”
Since
most of our members are Catholics, we are extending the ceasefire until after
the visit of Pope Francis,” Ka Efren said to select journalists.
He did not categorically say when the NPA unilateral ceasefire will end.Ka
Efren also revealed the NPA is ready to resume talking peace with the Aquino
government, especially if Pope Francis would ask them to do so, and as long as
the government shows sincerity.
Like
every Catholics in the country, Ka Efren said the NPAs are also excited for
papal visit.
Speaking
in Cebuano, Ka Efren saidand Many groups are pushing for peace in Mindanao, we
are ready. If Pope Francis would ask us,
we are ready to respond to his call.”