Duterte declares Luzon-wide ceasefire amid COVID-19

President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels from March 19 to April 15 to facilitate the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

The DILG expressed dismay over the Communist Party's hesitation to reciprocate the ceasefire, calling them selfish and uninterested in the country's situation.

Despite past concerns about the CPP-NPA using ceasefires to attack government targets, the DND said it will strictly implement the President’s declaration.

The AFP supports Duterte's decision but remains wary of potential attacks from communist rebels during the truce.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año ordered the PNP to comply with the ceasefire and focus on enforcing quarantine measures and assisting local governments in their anti-COVID-19 efforts.