January 05, 2026 The armed encounters in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro on January 1 have been widely reported, but too often without the context that explains why the operation happened and who has been affected. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Jerlyn Rose Doydora. No family should have to bury a child, and no young Filipino should be lured away from school and home into armed conflict. At the same time, we must be honest about what current informati

20 December 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict welcomes the recent ruling of the Court of Appeals that affirmed a Regional Trial Court’s conviction in the Talaingod 13 case. It is, above all, a victory not just for the Lumad communities of Mindanao, but for all indigenous peoples across the country. For more than three decades, many Lumad communities have been treated as pawns by the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National

December 18, 2025 We thank Caritas Philippines and the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP) for opening space for principled public dialogue by raising questions on the proposed ₱8.08 billion allocation related to ending local communist armed conflict. Such scrutiny is part of democratic life, and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) engages it in good faith. At the outset, however, a clear correction must be

December 16, 2025 As Filipinos celebrate Christmas and the New Year, the NTF-ELCAC reaffirms that true peace demands accountability, not performative gestures. The Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) declaration of a unilateral ceasefire is hollow and unverifiable. It was not coordinated with the government and lacks any accountability mechanism. Worse, the CPP itself orders NPA units to remain in “active defense mode” and on “high alert.” This is not peace, it is a tac

December 12, 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was formally recognized by the National Security Council (NSC) for its significant contributions to the country’s security and development priorities during the National Security Summit 2025, held on December 12 at the Ricarte Hall, Philippine Army Officers Club House, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Receiving the Plaque of Appreciation on behalf of Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr.,

December 10, 2025 As the world marks International Human Rights Day, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict reaffirms a truth that has guided our work from day one: peace is not merely the absence of conflict—it is the presence of justice, dignity, and respect for every Filipino life. Over the past years, we have seen entire communities rise from fear toward hope, thousands of barangays break free from decades of intimidation, and families finally recla

November 21, 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) condemns in the strongest terms the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army’s brutal practice of “spy-tagging”—a death sentence imposed without truth, trial, or humanity, carried out by the NPA against unarmed civilians and condoned by their legal front organizations that refuse to speak against these atrocities. The latest killings in Negros, where at least 15 farmers, ba

November 13, 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has urged the Court of Appeals (CA) to reconsider its recent ruling voiding the forfeiture of ₱557,360 seized from Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Mariel Domequil—funds the government maintains were directly tied to the financing of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operations in Eastern Visayas. In a recent inter-agency meeting chaired by Justice Angelita V. Miranda, representatives from the Of

November 4, 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) recognizes the University of Santo Tomas for upholding academic freedom through its hosting of the November 6 colloquium on civic engagement and ideological awareness. The university’s commitment to facilitating evidence-based dialogue reflects higher education’s vital role in nurturing critical thinking. While NTF-ELCAC was not formally involved in this UST-led initiative, we view such

October 29, 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) welcomes the Commission on Elections’ decision to proceed with the hearing of the disqualification case against Kabataan Partylist. This recent development supports the government’s broader commitment to safeguard young Filipinos from the risks of radicalization and to promote true, meaningful youth participation in the country’s democratic institutions. This case has been pending befor

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 pa

September 21, 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) stands united with all Filipinos in...