Two Catholic bishops today called for a ceasefire with communist and Moro rebels during Holy Week, despite earlier rejections from rebel groups. Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran said soldiers and rebels should not fight during a season that is symbolic of reconciliation. "It is sad that both sides appear to be neglecting God’s teachings,” Bishop Medroso said. Bishop Angelito Lampon of Jolo, meanwhile, urged Muslim rebels to declare a truce. "Lent is similar to the holy month of Ramadan. It is a safe season and a time for reconciliation,” Bishop Lampon said. The government and communist rebels last week dismissed the possibility of a Lenten ceasefire. Citing what it claimed were continued “brutal offensives and campaigns of suppression” by government forces, the Communist Party of the Philippines said it will not declare a ceasefire.
