Philippines Declares Ceasefire Against Communist Guerrillas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Philippine President Benigno Aquino has suspended military operations against Maoist guerrillas for a month to celebrate Christmas and receive a visit by Pope Francis.

General Gregorio Catapang said the unilateral ceasefire will begin at midnight on December 18 and end on January 19, 2015, the day when Pope Francis is scheduled to leave.

"The declaration of the suspension of military offensive against the New People's Army will highlight the government's sincerity to pursue peace," Catapang said in a statement.

The communist rebels have fought for 45 years to overthrow the government. The conflict has killed at least 40,000 people and disrupted growth of resource-rich rural areas.

The 4,000-member guerrilla force, largely based in mining areas on the southern island of Mindanao, is expected to agree on the ceasefire to welcome Christmas and New Year.

Catapang said law enforcement and humanitarian work in areas hit by Typhoon Hagupit in the central Philippines, particularly on Samar island, will still proceed.

Military spokesman Colonel Restitito Padilla said the ceasefire did not involve the Abu Sayyaf Islamist militant group on the islands of Basilan and Jolo. The terrorist group is known for kidnapping, bombing and beheading hostages.

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on January 15.

REUTERS | CAN | DWI ARJANTO