Philippines declares holiday truce with communist rebels

Wed, 23 Dec 2009

Manila - The Philippines declared a halt in military operations against communist rebels in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays, a senior official said Wednesday. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the unilateral ceasefire declaration would be effective from December 24 to 26 for Christmas and December 31 to January 1 for New Year's celebrations.

"President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved the suspension of military offensive for the Christmas season," he said. "This is in keeping with the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill."

Communist rebels have been fighting the government since the late 1960s, making the movement one of the longest-running leftist insurgencies in Asia.