AFP on PHL, NDF indefinite ceasefire pact: 'It's a laudable move' 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded the indefinite ceasefire truce between the Philippine government and communist rebel group National Democratic Front (NDF).

"It is a laudable move on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF to respond positively to President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of reimposition of the ceasefire 'for as long as necessary' to attain lasting peace in the land," Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, said in a statement on Saturday.

On Friday, the government and NDF signed an indefinite ceasefire agreement in Oslo, Norway as part of efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost five decades and killed at least 40,000 people.

"The AFP have noted with elation and optimism this breakthrough in the peace negotiations," Arevalo said.

In the summary joint statement read by Ambassador Elizabeth Slattum, special envoy to the Philippine peace process, said the parties have agreed on seven points: (1) Reaffirming previously signed agreements

(2) Reconstituting the list for the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG); 

(3) Accelerating the peace process and remaining substantive agenda for the talks, including socio-economic reforms;

(4) Release of political detainees

(5) The Philippine government panel recommending to President Duterte the creation of an amnesty proclamation for political detainees who are consultants of the communist group;

(6) The CPP-NPA-NDF's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire in response to that of the government's

(7) Meeting for a second time on October 8 to 12 in Oslo

"The AFP under the leadership of Gen. Ricardo Visaya will continue to uphold the letter and spirit of the ceasefire declaration of the commander-in-chief," the AFP Public Affairs Office chief noted.

Arevalo added that the nation can "rely on every soldier, sailor, marines, and airmen to help provide an environment conducive to peace so that the negotiators from both panels can work under the climate of trust and the prospect of reconciliation." — John Ted Cordero/VVP, GMA News