The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is urging political candidates in the Philippines to publicly reject armed struggle and commit to peaceful solutions ahead of the midterm elections.
During a press conference that concluded the Nationwide Peace Advocate Summit 2024, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. emphasized the importance of a shared vision for peace and development and urged candidates to reject violence and embrace dialogue.
“We are living in a democratic society, and anyone has the right to run for office as long as he is qualified,” Torres stated. “But it is crucial for the Filipino nation to be aware of the truth about the CPP-NPA-NDF,” which is designated as a terrorist group under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Torres highlighted the NTF-ELCAC’s ongoing awareness campaigns that expose the deceptive tactics employed by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).
He expressed hope that candidates would renounce armed struggle and embrace peaceful solutions.
“We hope that our partners and stakeholders will continue to educate the public about the CPP-NPA-NDF’s manipulative tactics. We want to ensure that those who serve our country do not believe in violent ways of resolving conflict,” stressed the task force official.
Torres noted that candidates should be required to renounce armed struggle or make a commitment before they are allowed to file their candidacy.
“Kung meron po sana naisusulat doon sa pinipirmahan na application that ‘I Renounce Armed Struggle’ in resolving the problems of our country, yan po ay malaking tulong hindi lang po sa NTF-ELCAC kundi sa sambayanang Pilipino. And hopefully, with that, magkakaroon tayo ng mas magandang set ng liderato this coming election.”
Former rebels warned of the CPP’s attempts to regain influence at the local level through political alliances, urging vigilance among candidates and voters.
“The CPP-NPA’s strength is diminishing,” said Noel Legaspi, a former CPP/NPA cadre and a former deputy secretary and spokesman of the CPP-NPA NDF-Far South Mindanao Regional Committee.
“They are no longer able to win elections at the local level, but they may try to form alliances with candidates to regain their mass base.”
