NPA declares ceasefire to help in 'Ondoy' relief work

In the wake of the devastation caused by tropical storm "Ondoy" (Ketsana), the Communist Party of the Philippines has ordered its rebel forces to suspend military operations and help in relief work. "Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA), particularly in the Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon provinces, are being tasked to carry out efforts to assist the peasant masses in coping with the destruction of their homes and livelihood and rebuilding from their losses," according to a statement on the CPP website. "Tactical offensives in the affected areas are to be held off for the next few days as local NPA units concentrate on relief and rehabilitation and supporting the resumption of the people's production and livelihood," the statement added. The CPP also called on other rebel forces to exert all possible efforts in helping the victims of the devastation. In response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed appreciation for the offer. "Nagpapasalamat tayo at sana tumulong sila sa mga lugar kung nasaan sila (We thank them and we hope they can extend help to the victims in their areas)," AFP information chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Over 200 people were killed when Ondoy battered Metro Manila and several provinces in the Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions over the weekend. Among the fatalities were a soldier and four militiamen who were part of rescue teams that helped evacuate stranded residents at the height of the heavy downpour on Saturday. The NPA has units in both the Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions. Government agencies scored In the same statement, the CPP also criticized the "gross inability" of government agencies to carry out adequate rescue and relief operations.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV "Even on the second day, several thousands were still left helpless inside or atop their homes surrounded by flood waters as they waited far too long for unprepared and ill-equipped rescue teams. For most, the government was never around and help never came. Those who survived on their own and millions who bore witness to the social trauma of the past few days seethed in anger at the government’s inutility," it said. The CPP added that the widespread destruction caused by the heaviest rainfall in four decades to hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces were caused by the poor infrastructure of the national capital and surrounding areas, particularly the city’s flood control and drainage systems. "It highlights as well the decrepit state of urban housing and total absence of government support services in large areas where a great majority of the working class and urban poor population live--in slums on esteros, alongside clogged creeks and rivers and low-lying urban-poor areas easily prone to flooding and other disasters. They were bound to suffer the most as the unprecedented raging flood waters drowned and swept away their homes and belongings," it said. - GMANews.TV