NTF-ELCAC Slams Enablers’ Silence on NPA’s Spy-Tagging Killings

November 26, 2025

Prosecutor Chris Gonzales of the Joint Regional Task Force 6 - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF6-ELCAC) today strongly condemned human rights advocates and the Makabayan Bloc for their continued silence following the New People's Army's (NPA) public admission of killing two civilians this month, who were maliciously tagged as government "spies".

The victims, Jomy Pelarta and Raul Loterio, were brutally executed on November 6 and November 13, respectively. The NPA’s Romeo Nanta Command has claimed responsibility for these acts, adding to their grim record of at least 15 civilian killings since 2024. He further disclosed that in previous years, there were around 20 "spy-tagging" killings perpetrated by the same terrorist group.

Speaking at a FAQCheck press conference, Prosecutor Gonzales didn't mince words: "The NPA’s ‘spy-tagging’ executions are nothing short of terrorism, masquerading as revolution. It is utterly reprehensible. What is equally disturbing, however, is the deafening silence from those who claim to be defenders of human rights."

Gonzales directly challenged the so-called human rights defenders and the Makabayan Bloc in Congress, asserting, "Their silence is not just disappointing; it makes them complicit in perpetuating a climate of fear and impunity. Are they so blinded by their ideology that they cannot recognize the suffering of the very people they claim to represent?"

He accused these enablers of prioritizing their narrow political agenda over the lives and well-being of the Negrosanon people. "If they truly stand for human rights, they must denounce violence and terrorism in all its forms, without exception. Their silence speaks volumes and betrays their true allegiances," Gonzales declared.

Former NPA guerrilla Arian Jane Ramos provided chilling insights, explaining that the NPA is often shielded by legal fronts who conveniently remain silent on the group's summary executions. She further added that the Makabayan bloc's silence stems from their warped belief that the NPA members are revolutionary martyrs.

“This makes it exceedingly difficult to bring the NPA to justice,” Ramos lamented.

As a member of Buklod Kapayapaan, a group comprised of former rebels, Ramos said the group is doing everything within its power to establish solid pieces of evidence against the Makabayan Bloc, with the ultimate aim of isolating them from their legal party. “Even if there are hundreds who are willing to testify, without the necessary political will, it remains a daunting challenge, even in the judicial process. But we do not lose hope.”

Gonzales emphasized that genuine human rights advocacy demands impartiality and an unwavering commitment to justice for all victims of violence, regardless of the perpetrator's twisted ideology.

He urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct motu proprio investigations into the NPA's killings, pointing out that the CPP itself shamelessly boasts about these heinous acts on its website. He reminded the commission that it has a clear commitment to investigate such killings.

Furthermore, he challenged the commission to investigate not only the perpetrators but also those who enable and support the NPA, as this clearly falls within their mandate. "The CHR has the power to help identify those who enable the killing of innocent civilians. Their action is critical," he stated.

Gonzales also called on the public to hold these enablers accountable for their deafening silence and to demand that they take a clear and unequivocal stance against the NPA's terroristic activities.

Captain Jun Ebalan of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, echoed this sentiment, urging all sectors of society to unequivocally condemn the CPP-NPA’s atrocities and stand united against terrorism.

“We call on LGUs, households, religious groups, and every Negrosanon to publicly denounce these acts of cowardly violence. The CTG thrives when communities are silent—your condemnation is a moral duty,” Ebalan declared.

He emphasized that collective vigilance is the key to dismantling the rebels’ influence: “They are few, but they exploit fear. Report their movements, deny them refuge, and together we will end their reign of terror.”