The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) remains unwavering in its commitment to ending the destructive legacy of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. This commitment has borne fruit in significant strides toward dismantling the network of these communist terrorist groups (CTGs).
In the 56th year since its founding, the CPP is trumpeting its so-called “rectification movement” as a renewal of revolutionary fervor. In reality, however, this initiative is merely a futile exercise destined to collapse under its contradictions, but not before causing further harm to the Filipino people. On behalf of the masses, we call on them to heed instead the call of the times and begin the new year with a focus on peace and development. Let your remaining, depleted forces embrace the opportunity to move forward, foster unity and progress, and allow them to leave behind the legacies of conflict and division.
Through Executive Order No. 70, the Philippine government continues to confront the root causes of insurgency with tangible solutions. From educational opportunities to enhanced governance are our investments to address long-standing systemic issues. Sitio electrification programs, farm-to-market roads, and livelihood training are initiatives that directly uplift vulnerable communities. The whole-of-nation approach has delivered measurable outcomes, transforming lives and fostering trust in government. By comparison, the CPP clings to outdated rhetoric and superficial critiques, blind to the efforts of a nation marching forward for peace and progress.
Despite the CPP’s denials, the NTF-ELCAC’s achievements speak volumes. Through our concerted efforts, we have dismantled 88 out of 89 guerrilla fronts and benefitted 4,830 geographically isolated and disadvantaged barangays through the Barangay Development Program, effectively eradicating the CTGs in their traditional strongholds. Additionally, we have reconciled thousands of surrenderers with their families, facilitating their reintegration into their communities. These are outstanding achievements that significantly contribute to our journey towards stable internal peace and security.
As we persist with our tried and tested strategy against the CPP, its underground forces, particularly the NPA, will soon become an insignificant threat. Its armed remnants are now disconnected from the masses, discredited, and incapable of launching meaningful offensives.
The government continues to dismantle the CPP-NPA’s financial and material support network, ensuring that extremist recruiters and propagandists are held accountable by our justice system. These “ahas sa damuhan,” who exploit our legal and democratic spaces in order to sow division, are the last lifeline of the CPP. Alas, they have unmasked themselves as transactional operators, with their questionable alliances and cash-driven motives exposing them as mercenaries rather than true servants of the people.
History may show that rectification movements have indeed previously revitalized the communist cause, but this current iteration comes at a time when the government has effectively preempted its strategies. By proactively addressing grievances through socio-economic programs, the state has removed the insurgents’ ability to exploit and weaponize our communities. Unlike in the past, this rectification movement lacks both the ideological clarity and popular support necessary for resurgence.
It is evident that the CPP is collapsing under the weight of its hypocrisy and internal contradictions. Its leaders continue to advocate lofty ideals while engaging in actions that betray the very communities they claim to uplift. The rectification movement is not a path to renewal but a desperate attempt to remain relevant and stall their inevitable decline.
For the first time in recent history, the Filipino people are now confident in looking forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year without the looming specter of communist threats. We must remain resolute in our fight against the CTG’s deceit, exploitation, and violence.
The government acknowledges that there is much work to be done. No system is perfect, and our nation’s progress demands constant vigilance and adaptation. Yet, the successes of the whole-of-nation approach demonstrate that unity, not division, is the key to lasting peace. This means national leaders, agencies, and local chief executives must rise above political noise and focus on delivering essential services that foster trust and progress, particularly in conflict-affected communities, as outlined in our National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development. By aligning their efforts and remaining committed to this shared vision, we can build a stronger Bagong Pilipinas where peace, unity, and development thrive.
So let the CPP continue parroting its empty rhetoric – meanwhile, the Filipino people march forward, leaving the shadows of terror grooming and violent extremism behind. By HENT
