The Philippines: A Frail Peace Breaks Out

The 60-day cease-fire between Philippine government forces and Communist rebels began last week amid prayer services, pealing church bells and jubilant marches. It almost did not come off: last-minute objections by both sides over the pact’s provisions drew warnings from National Democratic Front Negotiator Satur Ocampo that the cease-fire was “in jeopardy.” How long it will last is another matter. The day after peace supposedly broke out, rebels paraded through a small village brandishing automatic weapons.

Meanwhile, the Communists began a barrage of propaganda, complete with appearances by N.D.F. leaders on TV talk shows. Said one Manila lawyer: “The N.D.F. is the propaganda winner here. They are all over the papers and airwaves — and free of charge.”