14-1-2024 (MANILA) President Marcos of the Philippines announced the government’s triumph over local terrorism, citing the absence of active communist guerrilla fronts, according to a video message posted on Facebook.
As of December 2023, President Marcos stated, “Now, we can report that there are no more active NPA (New People’s Army) guerrilla fronts. We will continue to fight for this.” He attributed the success to the robust operations of security forces and effective coordination among defense and intelligence agencies.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil clarified that while there are no active NPA strongholds, communist rebels still exist. Marcos highlighted the government’s achievements in neutralizing 1,399 members of communist and local terrorist groups in 2023, with 1,751 firearms captured, recovered, or surrendered during the period.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had reported earlier this month that intense military operations led to the elimination of active NPA guerrilla fronts. The military claimed to have dismantled eight and weakened 14 communist guerrilla groups in the past year.
In December, government forces engaged in clashes in Bukidnon, resulting in the death of nine NPA members. Eight high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition, and personal belongings were recovered by the Philippine Army.
National Security Council assistant director-general Jonathan Malaya asserted that the NPA is now at its weakest in its 55 years of existence, with combatants numbering less than 1,500.
Last November, the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) expressed readiness to resume negotiations for a peaceful resolution to their decades-old conflict. The joint statement issued in Oslo outlined their commitment to address the root causes of the conflict and seek a principled and peaceful resolution.
Officials expressed optimism about achieving a final peace agreement under the Marcos administration. President Marcos, in contrast to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, described the decision to engage in fresh talks with the rebels as a “bold” and “meaningful” step towards reconciliation and unity.
