Philippine Leader Says Pulling Out of Ceasefire with Communist Rebels
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Philippines will lift on Friday night a ceasefire with a communist rebel group, the New People's Army (NPA), President Rodrigo Duterte said, following the group's decision to withdraw two days ago.
Duterte expressed disappointment that the ceasefire had broken down, calling the group's demand for the release of hundreds of political prisoners unreasonable, and saying he had already made concessions by releasing its leaders, according to Reuters.
"I will lift the ceasefire tonight," he said in a speech. "No more ceasefire."
On Wednesday, the NPA terminated a unilateral ceasefire that had been due to expire on Feb. 10, and vowed to resume guerrilla warfare that has killed tens of thousands of people. The group said it still supported Duterte's peace process.
