The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) condemns the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for its outright rejection of the amnesty offer extended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his SONA on 24 July 2023.
The offer of amnesty is a sincere and noble gesture of the Marcos Jr. Administration aimed at achieving lasting peace and reconciliation. This will provide an opportunity for those who have been involved in senseless armed conflict for the past five decades, to lay down their arms, renounce violence, and return to the mainstream of our society and contribute to our nation-building.
Instead of embracing this opportunity to attain a just and lasting peace, the CPP-NPA-NDF has time and again chosen to turn its back on the path to peace and continue on with their destructive and divisive armed atrocities. Their refusal to accept the amnesty offer only shows their insincerity in pursuing peace and demonstrates their dedication to perpetuating an outdated, violent, and bloody ideology.
The CPP-NPA-NDF’s outright rejection of amnesty is a clear indication of their true intentions, which are not aligned with the welfare of the Filipino people. By denying this opportunity for a peaceful resolution of the armed conflict, they continue to sow disharmony, undermine national unity efforts, and disrupt the progress and development of our nation.
The NTF-ELCAC reiterates its unwavering commitment to inclusive peace and sustainable development as the primary means to address the root causes of armed conflict. Hence, we call on the remaining members and sympathizers of the CPP-NPA-NDF to reconsider their stance and embrace the path to peace for the greater good of our country and people.
The NTF-ELCAC likewise advocates for a more purposive and responsible media reporting that promotes national unity and fosters an environment of informed dialogue. We believe that journalists have the power to influence positive change and contribute to the nation’s progress. Thus, we appeal to the members of the media to mainstream the dissemination of factual, objective, and verifiable information that will promote unity and collectively build a more resilient and peaceful society for the benefit of all Filipinos.
We also appeal to our kababayans to unite in rejecting violence and extremism and to work together in building a peaceful, just, and progressive society. Let us support the national government’s efforts in achieving lasting peace, and let us collectively denounce those who choose to perpetuate violence and discord in our society.
The NTF-ELCAC, with its 12 National Clusters and 17 Joint Regional Task Forces and Local Task Forces nationwide, stands firm in its dedication to eradicating the roots of armed conflict and building a nation where all Filipinos can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony.
Together, let us condemn armed violence and embrace the spirit of unity, inclusive peace, and sustainable development.
