Communist guerrillas on Wednesday offered a ceasefire in towns around the restive Bulusan volcano in the central Philippines to allow the military to help people who have fled their homes. The 1,565-meter (5,134-foot) mountain began emitting steam and ash in late March, triggering the evacuation of several dozen families on the southern tip of the main island of Luzon.
Government experts said this week that a major eruption appeared to be unlikely.
Senior rebel leader Fidel Agcaoili said it was offering a ceasefire in the towns of Bulusan, Casiguran and Juban while relief efforts were ongoing and until it was safe enough for families to return to their homes.
"We deem acceptable the mutual ceasefire on humanitarian grounds in the municipalities close to the Mount Bulusan volcano," the leader said in a statement.
Armed forces chief of staff General Generoso Senga described the offer as "welcome news" as troops were continuing to assist families.
The government earlier announced that Sorsogon province, where the volcano is situated, would be the focus, along with the provinces around Manila, of stepped up military operations and development aid for two years aimed at defeating the rebels in these areas.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its 7,400-member New People's Army, blacklisted by the United States as terrorist organizations, have been waging a Maoist armed campaign for 37 years.
President Gloria Arroyo shelved peace talks two years ago after the rebels refused a government demand for a nationwide ceasefire.
