MANILA - The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has ordered the New People's Army to extend its ceasefire until April 30, coinciding with the end of the Luzon lockdown due COVID-19, to “prioritize the fight against the pandemic and ensure the safety, health and well-being of everyone.”

In a statement released Thursday, the CPP said the ceasefire will be extended for another 15 days, or until 11:59 p.m. of April 30.

The CPP also ordered all NPA groups to “to continue to desist and cease from carrying out offensive military actions against the armed units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other paramilitary and armed groups attached to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.”

According to the Communist Party, the extended ceasefire “is to ensure quick and unimpeded support to all people requiring urgent medical, health and socioeconomic assistance in the face of the public emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic.”

All revolutionary forces have also been instructed to cooperate with all forces to achieve this goal.

The CPP, likewise, reiterated its call for the release of all political prisoners and for declaring a general amnesty.

President Rodrigo Duterte last month declared a unilateral truce effective on March 19 until April 15 as state forces were sent to man borders and enforce guidelines of the Luzon-wide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

• Philippines declares ceasefire with communist rebels amid Luzon lockdown

The CPP then declared a ceasefire starting on March 25 until April 15.

The President has since extended the lockdown up to April 30.

- report from Mike Navallo, ABS-CBN News