Communists to declare ceasefire by March 31 ahead of new round of peace talks

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will declare an interim ceasefire by March 31, in anticipation of the fourth round of peace talks next month.

The announcement came after the release of two prisoners of war by the New People's Army in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

In a statement on Saturday, the CPP said the declaration of an interim ceasefire is also meant to show support for the talks between the National Democratic Front (NDFP) and the government scheduled on April 2 to 6 in the Netherlands.

The communists’ militant arm said it is looking forward to a similar declaration by government troops, as it urged President Rodrigo Duterte to release 19 elderly and sick political prisoners, as well as 5 detained NDFP consultants.

If the Armed Forces of the Philippines were to “slow down its ongoing all-out offensive,” the CPP said it would “help create a mutual atmosphere for the mutual ceasefire.”

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