Philippines declares 12-day truce with rebels

Manila, Dec 18: The Philippines government on Friday declared a unilateral ceasefire with the leftist New People’s Army (NPA) for a peaceful observance of Christmas and New Year holidays.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the proposal of Department of tiol Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for a 12-day “suspension of military operations” from December 23 to January 3 next year, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier, the leadership of the leftist rebel group declared its own truce during the same period.

The 4,000-strong NPA has been waging war against the government for over four decades. (IANS)