NTF-ELCAC Challenges Raoul Manuel: ‘File Charges, We Will Stand Firm’

February 20, 2025

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) welcomes any legal action from Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel, asserting that such a move would provide a platform to further reveal his alleged ties to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr., Executive Director of NTF-ELCAC, urged Manuel to proceed with filing charges, emphasizing that the claims against him are supported by compelling evidence.

“If Manuel genuinely believes we are in the wrong, he should not hesitate to file any charges he deems appropriate. We welcome the legal process, as it will allow for a deeper examination of his affiliations. Let it be clear: we will not retract any of our statements or videos that expose individuals and groups acting as fronts for the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Torres stated.

Torres reiterated that the evidence against Manuel is substantial and grounded in testimonies from former NPA officials who have provided sworn statements before the Senate and have consistently reaffirmed their claims in various public forums. Key witnesses include Arian Jane Ramos, former Secretary of the Guerilla Front 55 of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command, and Justine Kate Raca, a former NPA political officer.

“We are not making baseless accusations; we are committed to uncovering the truth. High-ranking defectors from the communist terrorist organization have detailed Manuel’s active involvement in the radicalization and recruitment of students into the underground movement. More incriminating evidence will be disclosed soon,” Torres warned.

Raca testified that during his tenure as UP Student Regent in 2017, Manuel played a significant role in recruiting students for the CPP-NPA. She alleged that he utilized his position to identify and radicalize students, facilitating their entry into the underground movement by providing ideological discussions and logistical support for sending recruits to NPA-controlled areas. “He wasn’t merely a sympathizer—he was a key operative within UP,” Raca asserted.

Ramos corroborated this by revealing that Manuel participated in a revolutionary integration program at an NPA camp in Mindanao in 2017. “You cannot enter an NPA camp unless you are a member of the Communist Party. Manuel was there, leading a group of over a dozen student recruits,” Ramos disclosed. She further noted that some recruits were later killed in encounters, while others surrendered after realizing they had been misled.

Torres also urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to remain vigilant against tactics employed by CPP-NPA-NDF-affiliated groups that may seek to undermine the task force’s mission.

“We respectfully caution the COMELEC against any maneuvers by these groups aimed at suppressing our efforts to educate the public. The NTF-ELCAC will not permit its mission to be silenced, particularly by individuals who have been exposed by their own former comrades,” he stated.

Rather than resorting to threats against the task force, Torres challenged Manuel to directly address the allegations and engage in an open public debate with his former NPA colleagues.

“Arian Jane Ramos and Justine Kate Raca have issued a challenge: Manuel should step up and respond to their revelations. Why is he hesitant to confront those who were once his comrades? If he has nothing to hide, he should have no issue facing them,” Torres asserted.

The NTF-ELCAC remains resolute in its commitment to uncovering the truth, ensuring that the Filipino public is informed about individuals and organizations who continue to deceive under the guise of legal activism while secretly advancing the agendas of communist terrorist organizations.

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