February 22, 2025

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) reinforced its commitment to human rights, national security, and sustainable peace during the 77th Session of the UN's International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) held on February 18-19, 2025, at Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland.

The session provided a significant venue for the Task Force to highlight its role in addressing insurgency while ensuring fundamental freedoms remain protected.

During the session, Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr. delivered a presentation on NTF-ELCAC’s efforts to counter terrorist activities while upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human rights. He firmly refuted allegations of “red-tagging,” emphasizing that the Philippine government has no policy to attack, harass, or intimidate human rights defenders, environmental activists, lawyers, or media professionals. He underscored the accessibility of legal remedies, including the writs of amparo and habeas data, to address any claims of intimidation or harassment.

The Philippine delegation stressed that reports linking individuals or organizations to terrorist activities undergo stringent validation, supported by testimonies from former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) members who have surrendered or been apprehended. The delegation reiterated that “red-tagging” is not a recognized policy and lacks legal and jurisprudential basis in the country.

NTF-ELCAC remains resolute in its mission to protect human rights and shield communities from terrorist influence. A key aspect of its mandate is to provide accurate information about terrorist recruitment strategies, enabling communities to make informed decisions regarding their safety and security. The Philippine government continues to uphold diverse ideological perspectives, provided they do not incite violence or seek to destabilize democratically elected authorities.

The Philippine delegation reaffirmed the country’s adherence to international human rights standards, particularly under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The government remains committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of insurgency and fostering civic engagement.

On the second day of the session, the Philippine government underscored its unwavering commitment to protecting children from involvement in armed conflict. As a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC), the government strictly prohibits the recruitment or deployment of minors in combat.

While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) adheres to these international standards, the same cannot be said for the CPP-NPA-NDF, which continues to exploit children for their armed activities. The United Nations’ 7th Report on Children in Armed Conflict in the Philippines (September 23, 2024) confirmed that the NPA is responsible for 41% of grave violations against children, with over 578 documented cases of child recruitment.

The session highlighted ongoing efforts by terrorist-linked organizations to radicalize minors through so-called legal fronts, including the reopening of Indigenous Peoples Schools in Southern Mindanao, which had previously been identified as recruitment hubs. Former rebels provided testimonies exposing the systematic recruitment of children and their exposure to armed insurgency at an early age.

The Philippine government expressed gratitude for the international community’s recognition of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s violations against children and its continued support in countering terrorist recruitment efforts. As NTF-ELCAC implements its National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development (2025-2028), it remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminating threats posed by violent extremist groups and ensuring that all children grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.

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