Manila: The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is struggling to maintain its existential relevance as it has not fulfilled its promises to its followers, according to the government’s anti-insurgency task force.
According to Philippines News Agency, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. stated that the CPP’s 57th anniversary is not a cause for celebration but a moment for reflection. He described the organization as a “sunken” entity clinging to an outdated ideology, marked by deception and coercion, and noted that it has failed to deliver on its revolutionary promises.
Torres questioned the CPP’s ability to bring about meaningful change, highlighting that communities are already witnessing tangible improvements through government efforts, such as infrastructure development and restored livelihoods. He asserted that peace and development, rather than armed violence, have proved to be effective instruments of change.
Militarily and politically, the NPA is described as fragmented and depleted, resorting to extortion and intimidation. Torres pointed out that the insurgents’ rhetoric of resurgence cannot disguise the fact that the NPA has devolved into isolated bandits. The CPP is said to have shifted its focus to urban operations, targeting vulnerable groups, including the youth, for ideological grooming.
Torres criticized the CPP’s continued reliance on legal democratic organizations to maintain relevance and financial support, labeling these as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” He emphasized the government’s evolving approach to ending local communist armed conflict through governance reforms, social services, and reintegration programs.
He urged remaining NPA fighters to surrender and highlighted the reintegration of former rebels as a more humane and fruitful path. Torres called for a collective pursuit of non-violent and democratic solutions to national issues and invited communist rebels to join peace advocates in working for constructive change.
