NTF-ELCAC Calls for Balanced View on “International Learning and Solidarity Missions”

October 20, 2025

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) cautions the public to exercise discernment over recent “International Learning and Solidarity Missions” (ILSMs) held in Mindoro, Negros, and Eastern Visayas. Areas visited by these missions have historically been exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and their legal national democratic organizations.

While many participants in these missions come with genuine intentions to promote human rights and environmental protection, we also urge them to look beyond curated narratives. Some organizers of these ILSMs have long-standing ties to the CPP-NPA-NDF and use such activities to recycle accusations of “militarization,” “land grabbing,” and “environmental destruction” to discredit government efforts and attract foreign sympathy and funding.

The concept of the ILSM traces back to the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS), established by the late CPP founder Jose Maria Sison as one of the high-profile activities of the movement’s international engagement. These so-called “solidarity” activities, dressed as fact-finding or learning exchanges, often rely on selective testimonies, one-sided reports, and exclude communities that have rejected the insurgency and are now rebuilding their lives through peace and development programs.

In Mindoro, for instance, hundreds of residents have denounced certain legal national democratic organizations that attempt to re-establish CPP-NPA-NDF influence by painting their communities as “militarized.’ In Eastern Visayas, former victims of NPA atrocities and their families are making their stories heard, recounting painful experiences of loss and grief. Online bullying of former rebels and accusations of sexual assault of former women members hounded by leaders and activists of national democratic organizations seem to escape the scrutiny of organizers of these solidarity missions.

For the task force, these voices deserve to be heard just as much as those who criticize government efforts to resolve the roots of the armed conflict.

The NTF-ELCAC welcomes international engagement and solidarity rooted in truth and accountability We encourage foreign observers to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from local government officials, farmers, indigenous peoples, and former rebels who have first-hand experience of both the insurgency and the peace process. Genuine solidarity means listening to the people on the ground, not just to groups that speak the language of activism while obscuring their partisan ties.

The government likewise reminds all foreign visitors to remain mindful of Philippine laws governing participation in political activities. Respect for our sovereignty and legal frameworks ensure that cooperation continues in good faith.

The NTF-ELCAC remains committed to transparency, dialogue, and community-based peacebuilding. We welcome partnerships that promote balanced understanding and mutual respect. True solidarity lies in seeing the whole picture, acknowledging the progress of peace and development achieved by communities long caught in conflict, and standing with them as they finally move forward.

Undersecretary Ernesto C Torres Jr

Execitive Director

NTF ELCAC