The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) called on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to reflect on the waning relevance of its revolutionary ideology in today’s socio-political landscape.
In a statement, National Security Adviser (NSA) and NTF-ELCAC vice-chairperson Eduardo Año urged the CPP to abandon its decades-long armed struggle and embrace peaceful and constructive political engagement.
“The revolutionary must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea,” Año said, quoting the CPP’s own teachings, with the ‘sea’ serving as metaphor for the Filipinos who demand peace, development and unity.
Founded in 1968, the CPP advocated for revolutionary solutions to social issues such as poverty and inequality.
However, Año criticized the group’s recent anniversary statement for rehashing outdated critiques of global capitalism and the Philippine government while ignoring significant progress through state-led initiatives.
The NSA argued that the CPP’s armed struggle no longer resonates with the aspirations of the population, highlighting its diminishing influence.
“What remains is a disillusioned and depleted force—hungry, exhausted, and isolated,” Año said, attributing this decline to the government’s comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy under Executive Order No. 70.
The policy integrates military efforts with programs addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as improved governance, infrastructure, and social services. Año asserted that the CPP’s failure to adapt to these changes has left it ideologically and operationally stagnant.
He also criticized the group for overlooking its transgressions and the harm caused to communities by decades of conflict. Año appealed to CPP leaders and members to consider a political settlement and redirect their efforts toward nation-building.
“The promise of revolution has devolved into a bottomless well of unnecessary sacrifice,” he said, emphasizing the toll on the youth. Año encouraged the group to engage in parliamentary struggle and focus on pressing national challenges, including climate action, social justice, and territorial defense.
