These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
Government, Reds declare holiday ceasefire
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday night ordered a “unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire” after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) directed all fighting forces of its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to stand down once the government declared a truce for the holiday season.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced the government’s ceasefire declaration, which will take effect from midnight on Monday until 11:59 p.m. on January 7.
The President, Panelo said, also ordered the Department of National Defense, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police “to issue an official declaration” to all armed units and agents for them to observe the truce. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
PM orders probe on two-star general in Koh Kong
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday ordered a high-ranking government official and local authorities to investigate land reclamation allegedly implicating an army officer in Koh Kong province.
Speaking at an opening of the Sea Festival in Kampot province on Saturday, Mr Hun Sen ordered Land Management Minister and chairman of the National Authority for Land Dispute Resolution Chea Sophara and Koh Kong governor Mithona Phouthorng to look into a land reclamation allegedly conducted by a high-ranking official. – Khmer Times
Product prices to be monitored by 2,300 officers during holiday season
A total of 2,300 enforcement officers will monitor the prices of essential goods at supermarkets, markets and retail outlets nationwide to ensure that traders comply with the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme (SHMMP) during the Christmas and New Year festive season, said the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).
Its deputy secretary-general Dr Alauddin Sidal said that traders found guilty of increasing the prices of 19 controlled items for no valid reason, or failing to display price tags on items will face stern action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. – The New Straits Times
Draft bill on alcohol imports nears completion
Legislation intended to relax Myanmar’s existing ban on alcohol imports has moved to the attorney general for approval, according to the commerce ministry.
Trade Department Director-General U Minn Minn told The Myanmar Times that the ministry had finished drawing up the regulations and once the draft legislation was approved by the attorney general it would be presented to the cabinet before going to parliament. The latest version of the draft bill has not been made public. – Myanmar Times
Malaysian envoy in India summoned over citizenship law remarks by Dr Mahathir: Report
India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Malaysia's acting head of mission in the country to convey its displeasure over the remarks by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on New Delhi's recently approved Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), reported an Indian news website.
The Wire said the envoy was summoned to the ministry on Saturday (Dec 21), one day after the Indian ministry issued a statement saying that Tun Dr Mahathir's statement was factually incorrect and told him not to comment on India's internal affairs. – The Straits Times