Imee calls on NDF, AFP for holiday truce

Senator Imee Marcos on Friday called on the National Democratic Front and Armed Forces of the Philippines to implement a truce in observance of the upcoming holiday in December.

"I call upon the National Democratic Front and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to implement a Christmas truce for a peaceful celebration of the forthcoming holiday season," Imee said in a statement.

She made the remarks after two soldiers responding to earthquake-hit Abra province were killed in an ambush by the New People's Army.

"I strongly condemn the killing of two soldiers in Abra perpetrated by NPA terrorists amid the new calamity that struck the province," she said.

Killed in the ambush that happened on Thursday in Barangay Gacab, Malicbong, Abra were PFC Ariz Bautista, 26, and PFC Jimmy Viernes, 25 — both members of the 24th Infantry "Wildcat" Battalion.
Their colleagues PFC Reymond Galo and PFC Randy Cinco survived the attack.

The soldiers were on their way to Licuan-Baay, Abra for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response mission to help residents after the magnitude 6.4 Earthquake.

Imee slammed the NPA for apparently showing "no mercy, no heart, and no humanity" in carrying out these "dastardly acts in calamitous circumstances."

The lawmaker also extended her sympathies to the families of slain troops, who died while doing their duties.

"I also extend my sincere sympathies to the families of our two new heroes, as well as my wish for the speedy recovery of the wounded," she said.