A rejection of peace

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

A very sad note to this Christmas season is the report that the ceasefire offered by the Philippine Government during it has been rejected by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army. This is something for the record, because, as far as most of us can remember, the Yuletide ceasefire has always been mutually accepted by both parties.

During this period, both government troopers and rebel fighters had laid down their arms and enjoyed some degree of peace and security. Rebels themselves were given the freedom to come out of their hiding places, visit their friends and kin in the towns and cities, without fear of being arrested or detained. For the duration of the entente, both soldiers and rebels could go around freely, the cares of war forgotten, albeit momentarily.

But the spokespersons of the CPP-NPA had only harsh words to describe the government's offer of a ceasefire. They called the document “gibberish”, “ridiculous” and “dubious”.

Probably to stress their point, the group ambushed and killed three Marine soldiers, said to be in civilian clothes, right on the first day the ceasefire was to take effect. Reacting in typical manner, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces declared that his men would hunt down the perpetrators of the ambush, while stressing that the holiday ceasefire declared by the government would remain.

Such exchanges do not make very auspicious beginnings for what is supposed to be the season of peace and goodwill, and naturally disturb those of us who had been hoping for a peaceful celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. But we can still offset all these by heeding the message of Christmas and hoping that it will reach everyone through our good works and prayers.*