The New PeopleÂ’s Army has declared a unilateral cease-fire in southern Philippines to celebrate the groupÂ’s 45th anniversary. The NPA, which is celebrating the anniversary of its founding on December 26, also urged rebel forces to stay vigilant because of possible military attacks.NPA spokesman Rubi del Mundo said the truce will take effect on Christmas eve up to December 26, and from New YearÂ’s eve to January 2, 2014. The order was issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The Philippine military also imposed a unilateral cease-fire on December 21 which ordered troops to suspend all offensive operations. However, Del Mundo accused the military of failing to comply with its own cease-fire and said security forces attacked NPA militants in Davao City and in North Cotabato province.