MANILA – National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed concerns that a ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) would essentially pause efforts to combat terrorism. In a statement shared on the Presidential Communications Office’s Facebook Page, Teodoro emphasized that any truce with the CPP-NPA-NDF equates to a ceasefire with terrorists and criminals.
Teodoro argued that such a ceasefire would undeservedly boost the relevance of the communist insurgents, whom he described as a ‘Jurassic group’ struggling to maintain significance in the national political landscape. He believes this move is a desperate attempt by the group to regain attention.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that the communist rebels are no longer able to mount large-scale operations, especially as they approach the 56th anniversary of the CPP on December 26. Despite this, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stated that the military remains vigilant and prepared to counter any retaliatory actions by the NPA during their anniversary celebrations.
Padilla also affirmed that the AFP will persist with internal security operations aimed at completely eradicating the remaining communist insurgents. She highlighted the progress made this year, noting that the number of weakened guerrilla fronts has reduced from seven at the beginning of the year to just one currently, aligning well with their set targets.
In a command conference earlier this year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the AFP to decisively end the country’s insurgency problem.