NTF-ELCAC downplays CPP holiday truce

BAGUIO CITY — The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has downplayed the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) declaration of a unilateral holiday ceasefire, saying it lacks credibility and does not show a real commitment to peace during the Christmas and New Year season.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC said the ceasefire was announced without any coordination with the government and has no clear system to ensure it will be followed. The task force said this makes the truce unreliable and difficult to verify.

NTF-ELCAC also noted that CPP orders reportedly keep New People’s Army (NPA) units on “active defense mode” and “high alert,” which it said goes against the idea of a ceasefire and could still endanger communities and local officials.

The task force stressed that public safety is not limited to the holiday season.

It said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will continue to perform their duty to protect the public, especially as people travel and gather during the holidays.

NTF-ELCAC pointed out that the NPA is now much weaker compared to its strength in the 1980s, citing sustained government efforts, better governance, and the choice of many former rebels to return to peaceful civilian life.

According to NTF-ELCAC, real progress toward peace is seen in the thousands of former rebels who have surrendered and are now being reintegrated into society through government programs.

Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres, Jr. again urged remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and choose peace, saying lasting peace must be based on sincerity, accountability, and justice, not on temporary gestures. — Artemio A. Dumlao