Manila: From tens of thousands during their heyday, the number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels all over the country has dwindled to less than 1,000, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Thursday, citing a "recent report."

According to Philippines News Agency, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. stated in a media briefing marking the 7th founding anniversary of the task force that a recent report indicates there are only 780 NPAs all over the country. Torres highlighted that this figure is relatively small compared to their peak in the 1980s when numbers reached about 25,000.

Torres did not identify the source of the report nor provide additional details regarding its contents. However, he mentioned that these NPA remnants are located in the mountains, with some showing interest in various government programs aimed at former rebels. Torres emphasized the importance of media support in disseminating information about these programs to reach individuals still in remote areas.

The government initiatives mentioned include the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which assists former rebels in reintegrating into mainstream society, and the amnesty program. Torres also highlighted the Barangay Development Program (BDP) as the task force's flagship initiative, aimed at bringing development to conflict-affected communities.

Over the past seven years, more than 4,800 formerly conflict-affected barangays have benefited from BDP through infrastructure improvements such as roads, classrooms, water systems, electrification, health stations, and livelihood support. Torres underscored the importance of protecting these gains, emphasizing that sustaining peace requires unity of purpose, good governance, and continued support from all sectors, especially from the communities who stand to benefit the most.