NTF-ELCAC exec slams CPP for continued calls for revolution

THE NATIONAL Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Friday scored the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) over its continued call for a revolutionary struggle, which has been rejected by the Filipino people.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said this call revealed the CPP as a despotically desperate bureaucratic clique—out of touch with reality, as it continues to chase "the mirage of an armed revolution despite the Filipino people's resounding rejection. "

The group made this call as its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), observed its 56th founding anniversary on March 29.

"As the nation strides forward, leaving behind decades of communist armed violence, the CPP insists on dragging its few followers back, especially the tired and hungry remnants of the NPA, into a dark, discredited past," Torres said.

He also lamented the fact that the CPP is unable to accept its decline along with the NPA.

"As the self-ascribed vanguard of the insurgency, the CPP still attempts to breathe life into a struggle that has lost all relevance. The NPA has now become nothing more than a fragmented and depleted force—isolated, stripped of political credibility, and militarily inconsequential. Like all desperate despots, the CPP continues beating a dead horse, unable to accept the finality of its decline," the NTF-ELCAC official added.

"Laughably, the CPP scapegoats this isolation as the result of the so-called 'fascist militarization' of state forces. The truth is, the people no longer welcome them—not out of fear, but out of a deep resolve to preserve the peace and development they have fought hard to achieve. Communities now see government institutions, especially security forces, not as adversaries but as partners in progress and stability," he added.

With these developments, Torres told remaining NPA members to reject orders and commands from their CPP leaders and to instead rejoin mainstream society.

Torres also clarified that the government is not asking these communist insurgents to surrender their pro-people principles but offering them an invitation to redirect their purpose and become advocates of development.

"The government's unity, peace and reconciliation programs remain open. Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty programs are geared towards helping former rebels rebuild their lives, (and be) empowered through livelihood and reintegration support that contributes to stronger, safer, and more resilient communities," he added. (Priam Nepomuceno)