Aquino approves holiday truce with communist rebels

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) earlier declared a six-day ceasefire, from 12 a.m. on December 24 to 11:59 p.m. on December 26 and from 12 a.m. on December 31 to 11:59 p.m. on January 2, 2014.

For her part, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said the government continues its traditional call for a Christmas ceasefire to allow those in conflict areas, whether soldier, rebel or civilian, safe passage to celebrate Advent with their families, far from all harm.

"This year, a Christmas ceasefire gains added urgency with the call for healing and rebuilding that resonate in this Season and its promise of a new life to all," she said.

In the past three months, the country faced major tragedies that have left our nation deeply traumatized. Among these, the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" in Eastern Visayas has caused the most extraordinary challenge for the Filipino people with the unparalleled and incomprehensible destruction it has left in its aftermath.

"Our nation needs to bind our wounds and focus our energies and resources on the tasks at hand. It presents to our country and people the chance to start afresh, to build on new and just foundations -- the common wealth for the common good, innovative approaches to governance and development based on justice and fairness, an understanding of nature’s gifts and perils, and the healing of Mother Earth," said Deles.

"In this season of faith, hope and solidarity, we bind ourselves together as a people for the long-term effort to rebuild in our disaster areas and reconstruct the lives, livelihoods and property of the survivors. May the peace and goodwill that must dwell in our hearts become building blocks for a healing and enduring peace in our land," she said.