President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected calls to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), emphasizing its success in reducing the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said Mr. Marcos made his position clear following calls from groups to dissolve the task force.
The President, who also serves as chairman of the NTF-ELCAC, said its efforts have significantly weakened the communist insurgency. “I’m encouraged by the reports. Our efforts are bearing fruit. It has been successful, and we need to continue to invest in its success,” President Marcos said.
Malaya echoed the President’s sentiments, highlighting the NTF-ELCAC’s accomplishments. “The facts speak for themselves. The NTF-ELCAC has dealt a heavy blow to the CPP-NPA-NDF, leaving the insurgency at its lowest point in more than 50 years,” Malaya said.
Government data shows that from 89 guerrilla fronts at the time of the task force’s formation, only one remains, classified as a weakened front in Camarines Sur. Malaya said it is expected to be dismantled within the year.
According to Malaya, there are approximately 1,050 remaining NPA members, who are described as scattered and isolated. Government reports highlight a 98.88% accomplishment rate in dismantling guerrilla fronts.
Malaya attributed the decline of the insurgency to the deaths of key leaders such as Jose Maria Sison, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, and Myrna Sularte, along with intensified military and police operations.
Socioeconomic investments through the Barangay Development Program and sustained localized peace talks have also played a significant role. Malaya further credits the task force’s anti-terror and anti-radicalization programs with reducing recruitment in schools and universities.
As a result, the CPP-NPA-NDF has lost its mass base and can no longer impose so-called revolutionary taxes or disrupt elections. “For the upcoming May elections, the CPP-NPA-NDF will no longer pose a significant threat to the peaceful conduct of elections,” Malaya said.
In 2024 alone, 5,558 individuals surrendered through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), including 2,033 regular NPA members, 732 members of the Militia ng Bayan, and 856 individuals from underground mass organizations.