NTF-ELCAC Warns vs One-Sided Narratives in “Solidarity Missions”

October 20, 2025

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has urged the public and foreign participants to exercise discernment in viewing recent “International Learning and Solidarity Missions” (ILSMs) conducted in Mindoro, Negros, and Eastern Visayas, stressing that these activities often recycle long-standing propaganda lines of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr. emphasized that while many foreign and local participants join these missions with genuine intentions, the public must not ignore the deep ties between some organizers and the underground communist movement.

“These so-called solidarity activities, dressed as fact-finding or learning exchanges, often rely on selective testimonies and one-sided reports, while excluding communities that have rejected insurgency and are now rebuilding their lives through peace and development programs,” Torres said.

The task force pointed out that the ILSM concept traces its roots to the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS), founded by the late CPP leader Jose Maria Sison. According to NTF-ELCAC, such missions have long been used to discredit government efforts and draw foreign sympathy and funding under the guise of human rights or environmental advocacy.

In Mindoro, hundreds of residents have openly denounced attempts by these organizations to paint their communities as “militarized.” In Eastern Visayas, families of NPA atrocity victims continue to recount painful experiences of violence and exploitation that seldom find space in the curated narratives of solidarity groups.

NTF-ELCAC further noted that even the online harassment of former rebels and allegations of sexual abuse of women members within so-called national democratic organizations have largely escaped the scrutiny of ILSM organizers.

Torres underscored that international engagement is welcome — but only when rooted in truth, accountability, and respect for Philippine sovereignty.

“Genuine solidarity means listening to all voices on the ground — from local officials, farmers, and indigenous peoples, to former rebels who know both the suffering brought by insurgency and the progress brought by peace. True solidarity lies in seeing the whole picture, not just the narratives of groups that cloak partisan ties under activism,” he said.

The government also reminded foreign visitors to abide by Philippine laws prohibiting tourists from engaging in political activities. Such restrictions, NTF-ELCAC stressed, are necessary to preserve sovereignty and ensure cooperation in good faith.

Reaffirming its commitment to peacebuilding, Torres said the task force remains open to partnerships that promote a balanced understanding of communities once caught in armed conflict.

“The NTF-ELCAC welcomes dialogue, transparency, and community-based peacebuilding. Our call is simple: see the progress, hear all voices, and stand with the people as they finally move forward,” Torres concluded.