Palace urges rebels to show sincerity in truce

Malacañang is urging communist rebels to demonstrate sincerity in their truce with the government by ceasing hostilities and withdrawing forces amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Palace welcomed communist rebel leader Jose Maria Sison's proposal for a unilateral ceasefire, acknowledging it as a positive step in response to the UN's call for a global armistice.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo expressed hope that the rebels would lay down their arms and refrain from mobilizing their forces during this period.

Sison has reportedly agreed to recommend a unilateral truce to the New People's Army (NPA) to allow for greater focus on combating the coronavirus pandemic and ensuring public health.

The government emphasized the need for a safe and peaceful environment for the unimpeded delivery of essential services and supplies during the state of calamity.

Malacañang looks forward to the rebels upholding their word and cooperating with the government's efforts to achieve peace during the health emergency.