One of the pronouncement made by President Duterte related to the Luzon-wide lockdown is implementing a ceasefire with the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) rebels.[53] This is done in order for the forces of the state to focus its resources to stop the spread of the COVID-19.[54] He also urged the rebels to help the government on their efforts against the COVID-19 threat.[54] Jose Maria Sison, CPP's founding chairman, initially said that the CPP and NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) will study the ceasefire offer.[55] He later responded and said that the NDFP "is not assured and satisfied that the reciprocal unilateral ceasefires are based on national unity against COVID-19."[56]