Reds weakened but NTF-ELCAC still vigilant of possible threats

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is not keeping its guard down against the possible resurgence of terror activities despite the weakening of the New People's Army (NPA) and its allies, its official said.

In a statement Tuesday, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said despite clearing most areas from active NPA guerilla fronts, focus remains on preventing a resurgence of terror activities, including the grooming of new recruits.

“Complacency could undermine the progress made and jeopardize the security of the area,” he added.

Citing a recent Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) update, Torres said over 400 NPA rebels have been dealt with this year, reducing the group's membership to approximately 1,000 individuals.

Notable achievements from targeted military and police operations include the elimination or capture of several high-ranking Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Out of the 89 active guerrilla fronts in 2018, nine remain weakened, which the military aims to dismantle this year, Torres said. These include five fronts in Luzon and two each in the Visayas and Mindanao.

"By prioritizing prevention, protection, and resource management strategies, communities can mitigate the risk of recruitment and exploitation by armed groups, thereby fostering long-term peace and stability,” Torres added.

Torres made this comment after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for heightened preparedness against external threats due to increased geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Domestically, security threats from groups like the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee and Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley persist.

Efforts to address these threats have resulted in the declaration of insurgency-free status for provinces like Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and parts of Isabela.

Government forces have dismantled multiple "communist terrorist group" units, indicating ongoing efforts to address internal security challenges. (PNA)