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 unwavering dedication to violence and armed conflict, according to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. In a statement released on Thursday, Año criticized the group’s stance, suggesting it isolates them 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, severely limits their ability to conduct major operations or attract new recruits.
The National Security Adviser attributed the decline of the communist insurgents to the persistent efforts of the government, particularly 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 demands sincerity, a quality he believes the CPP-NPA-NDF lacks, as evidenced by their actions. He urged the Filipino people to stand together in rejecting violence and supporting 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 assured 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.