Philippine government, communist rebels declare nationwide truce

The Philippine government and communist rebels have agreed on a nationwide truce to help restart peace talks to end one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.

The Communist Party of the Philippines says it has ordered the New People's Army to stop attacks on military and police forces starting Thursday. The cease-fire agreement was reached following a meeting of negotiators this week in Holland where rebel leaders live in exile.

The rebels had earlier declared a month-long cease-fire in a southern province ravaged by a typhoon that killed more than 1,000 people. Thursday's announcement says this has been extended to Jan. 15, and will cover other areas where the guerrillas operate.

The negotiators have agreed to meet again early next year. Norway is brokering the talks.