NDF declares Albay ceasefire

08 December 2006

LEGAZPI CITY—THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC Front declared a unilateral ceasefire in Albay Wednesday to give way to “safe and orderly” rescue and relief operations for victims of Supertyphoon Reming.

Greg Banares, NDF-Bicol spokesperson, said the ceasefire is effective until the retrieval of missing bodies and distribution of relief goods and services have been completed.

He said the NDF grieves with Reming’s victims and that guerrillas are helping in relief and rehabilitation efforts for the masses.

To avoid clashes, he asked the Arroyo administration and the military not to use the relief and rehabilitation operations for the counter-insurgency plan. (More stories on Reming’s effects on page A19)

Maj. Ramon Rosario, head of the Civil Relations Group of the Southern Luzon Command, said the military was awaiting orders from higher authorities to decide on the ceasefire.

He said soldiers are busy with relief and retrieval operations in Albay. Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon