Insurgency: Reds Soon to Become Insignificant

No NPA attacks occurred during the holidays. The NTF-ELCAC says that only highlights how weak they have become.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240871

The recent Christmas season unmarred by threats from communist insurgents is an indication of the continued weakening of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"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," National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) executive director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., said in a statement Wednesday night.

This came as earlier reports said that about 88 out of 89 guerilla fronts have been dismantled by the government's combined military and civil operations.

Despite this development, Torres said, the country must remain resolute in its fight against the communist insurgents' deceit, exploitation, and violence.

However, he also acknowledged that much work needs to be done despite these victories against the communist insurgents.

"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," Torres said.

This, he said, means that 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," he added.

The NTF-ELCAC also says "the CPP, its underground forces, particularly the NPA, will soon become an insignificant threat."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240843

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), will soon be an insignificant threat, as the country ushered in the New Year.

"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 (communist terrorist groups) in their traditional strongholds," NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement Wednesday.

Aside from this, Torres said the task force has successfully reconciled thousands of surrenderers with their families, facilitating their reintegration into their communities.

He added that these outstanding achievements significantly contribute to the country's 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," Torres said.

He added that the government will continue dismantling the CPP-NPA’s financial and material support network.

This, Torres said, will ensure that extremist recruiters and propagandists are held accountable by the country's justice system.

"These 'ahas sa damuhan' (snakes in the grass) 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," he added.

Not insignificant but an insignificant threat. So, still a threat. 

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has called on the Reds to "recognize its defeat and consider a political settlement for the sake of its remaining members."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240730

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año has called on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to consider a political settlement to allow its remaining members to help the government in nation-building, as the communist movement continues to dwindle.

"It is time for the CPP to recognize its defeat and consider a political settlement for the sake of its remaining members, particularly its young cadres, who have talents and energy better suited to nation-building. There is no shame in choosing the path of genuine parliamentary struggle, free from the burden of armed violence," he said in a statement over the weekend.

He noted that the CPP is now a shadow of its former self while its armed wing, the New People’s Army, is reduced to sporadic criminal activities rather than credible tactical offensives.

"What remains is a disillusioned and depleted force – hungry, exhausted, and isolated. The CPP's business model, in refusing to recognize the evolving aspirations of Filipinos, is bankrupt and will, in no time, be relegated to the dustbin of history," he added.

Año, who is also the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict vice-chair, added that territorial defense, climate action, social justice, sustainment of peace gains and other pressing challenges await those willing to contribute constructively.

"These are struggles worth fighting for – ones that do not sow destruction but instead unite Filipinos toward progress," the NSA added.

As the CPP celebrated its 56th anniversary on Dec. 26, the NTF-ELCAC vice chair urged its members and leaders to reflect on the irrelevance of their cause in the present day.

"From the CPP’s own teachings that 'the revolutionary must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea,' it is clear that the 'sea' or the Filipino people now demand peace, development, and unity. Persisting in a countercurrent and violent struggle serves neither the people nor the country’s aspirations," he added.

These kind of statements are nothing new. The NPA has been declared irrelevant many times over the past two decades. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/647262/lorenzana-to-npa-rebels-lay-down-your-arms-your-cause-has-become-irrelevant/story/

"Your cause has become irrelevant. Do not be the spoilers of peace, progress and development. If you could not win [in] 49 years, what made you think you could salvage victory in the next 50?" Lorenzana said in a statement.

And yet the rebellion continues. 

Clashes continue. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2020145/soldier-wounded-in-clash-with-suspected-npa-rebels-in-leyte

A soldier was wounded after his group figured in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Canhandugan in Jaro, Leyte on Monday, Dec. 30.

Sgt. Ronald Gomez was immediately transported to a nearby hospital and is now in a stable condition.

The encounter, which lasted for more than five minutes resulted in the seizure of one .45 caliber pistol, three improvised explosive devices and ammunition.

The firefight stemmed from reports received from concerned citizens about the presence of unidentified armed individuals in their farmlands.

Acting on this information, troops of the 93rd Infantry Battalion (IB) located and confronted the suspected rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Saclot, commanding officer of the 93rd IB, emphasized the crucial role of civilian cooperation in the successful operation.

“The information we received from the residents of Barangay Canhandugan about the presence of suspicious individuals in their area prompted us to immediately deploy troops to the area which resulted in the encounter,” said Saclot in a statement.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops of the 93rd IB for their swift response to the residents’ concerns.

“Once again, the NPA has failed in their terrorist activities due to the invaluable assistance of the populace who informed the soldiers about the presence of unknown individuals in their community,” he said in a separate statement.

He reiterated their calls for the remaining NPA members to return to the fold of the law and live a normal life.

“For the remaining few members of the communist terrorist group, it is high time to return to the folds of the law and avail themselves of the government’s services, such as the Amnesty Program, which offers forgiveness and a chance to start anew,” Vestuir added.

Surrenders continue. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/3/14-communist-rebels-surrender-in-bukidnon

Fourteen New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the military in Maramag, Bukidnon on New Year’s Day and vowed to help the government ‘s peace and development programs.

“They wanted to embrace their respective families in a new beginning and a peaceful life,” said Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Joann G. Navarro.

Their surrender was facilitated by the Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, 48th Infantry Battalion, Quezon Municipal Police Station (MPS), Damulog MPS, and Kibawe MPS.

Navarro said their surrender highlights the collaborative effort and sustained commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fostering peace and ending insurgency in Northern Mindanao.

The rebel returnees turned over two grenades, one rifle grenade, two improvised 12-gauge shotguns, two magazines, and one 12G ammunition. These  have been secured and documented by the 48th IB.

The surrenderers are under the custody of the 48th IB for custodial debriefing and further processing under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that aims to provide former communist rebels with reintegration support and opportunities for a peaceful return to society.

PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman lauded their surrender and reiterated the importance of collective efforts in maintaining peace and security in the region.

“I commend these individuals for choosing to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law,” he said. “This achievement underscores the unwavering dedication of the AFP, PNP, and local government units in advancing peace and development in Northern Mindanao.”

For several years the AFP has been on the cusp of declaring victory and has in fact already declared a strategic victory over the CPP-NPA. They have also said that victory does not mean zero insurgents. Though the number guerrilla fronts is down to one the NPA remains an active threat. Will 2025 be the end of the insurgency? Not very likely.