In the Philippines, newly elected President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels who have fought the government since 1968. The insurgency began then and has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

President Rodrigo Duterte: “While we extol the bravery and heroism of our soldiers, you, the rebels, do the same for your members and fighters. What I see instead are the widows and the orphans, and I feel their pain and grief.”

The group that will represent the rebels in the negotiations says it welcomes the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Former Filipino President Gloria Arroyo has returned to the country’s Congress after nearly five years in prison on corruption charges. The Supreme Court has now cleared her of the charges.