MANILA – The refusal of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to declare a holiday truce underscores their ongoing commitment to violence, according to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. In a statement released on Thursday, Año criticized the group’s stance, suggesting it reflects their dedication to armed struggle and their isolation from the Filipino people’s desire for peace and security.
Año described the CPP-NPA-NDF’s declaration as ’empty,’ pointing out that the group has been significantly weakened, now operating as a single guerrilla front. This reduction in strength, he argued, has left them unable to conduct major operations or attract new recruits.
The decline of the CPP-NPA-NDF, according to Año, is a direct result of the government’s sustained efforts through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which has worked alongside communities to combat insurgency and promote inclusive development.
Año emphasized that genuine peace-building requires sincerity, something he believes the CPP-NPA-NDF lacks. He urged Filipinos to stand together against violence and support initiatives that foster peace and development, asserting that no ideology based on violence and armed struggle should be allowed to hinder the nation’s progress.
Furthermore, Año announced that the government would maintain targeted military operations to dismantle the remaining forces of the CPP-NPA-NDF, ensuring a peaceful and orderly holiday season for Filipinos this December.