Palace Welcomes the NPA’s Decision to Declare a Unilateral Ceasefire in Quake-Affected Areas

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar welcomed the decision of the NPA to declare a unilateral ceasefire in the earthquake-stricken areas.

“We are glad that the NPA heeded the call of the military for a ceasefire in earthquake-affected areas. We welcome their declaration and hope they do not renege on it as they have previously done,” Secretary Andanar said in an official statement.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is presently conducting damage assessment and rescue, evacuation and rehabilitation activities. These should be continuous and remain unhampered so we can deliver immediate aid to the victims of this natural calamity, the statement added.

The Government and its forces lean forward to provide the fastest and most expeditious assistance our suffering citizens in Surigao need at this time and distractions from criminal activities by armed groups would not be in their best interest.

“Sa panahong ito kailangan magkaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino,” Secretary Andanar concluded. (PCOO)