NTF-ELCAC dismisses CPP holiday ceasefire as lacking credibility

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has dismissed the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) unilateral holiday ceasefire as lacking credibility and genuine commitment to peace.

NTF-ELCAC stated that the ceasefire was declared without government coordination and lacks a clear mechanism for enforcement, rendering it unreliable and difficult to verify.

The task force highlighted that CPP's directive for New People's Army (NPA) units to remain in 'active defense mode' and 'high alert' contradicts the spirit of a ceasefire and poses a continued risk to communities and officials.

Public safety is a year-round concern, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will maintain their protective duties throughout the holiday season.

The NTF-ELCAC emphasized the significantly weakened state of the NPA compared to previous decades, attributing this to ongoing government efforts, improved governance, and the reintegration of former rebels into society.