Christmas Ceasefire Rejected

Manila: The Philippines on Thursday ruled out a traditional Christmas ceasefire with rebels of the left-wing New People’s Army (NPA) after the insurgents kidnapped two soldiers and 12 members of a paramilitary force, officials said.

The Philippines Army personnel were abducted by the NPA on Wednesday at dawn in Agusan del Sur on the Mindanao island. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the government would not be “fooled” by the rebels’ offer of a ceasefire during the Christmas and New Year holidays, Efe news reported, citing state news agency PNA. (IANS)

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