The President means business.
On Mon, Jul 25, President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire between government forces and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“However, following an ambush of government troops by NPA members in Davao del Norte last Wed, Jul 27, Duterte has issued an ultimatum to the group. He gave them them until 5pm on Saturday to reciprocate the truce,” reports ABS-CBN News.
One member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was killed and four others were wounded in the said encounter.
Duterte visited the wake for the slain CAFGU member in Capalong, Davao del Norte on Fri, Jul 29.
Duterte spoke to the troops at the 60th Infantry Batllion. He also addressed the rebels. He said, “I am asking you, are you ready to declare ceasefire or not? I will wait until 5pm tomorrow. If I don’t get the word from you, will lift the order of ceasefire.”
