NTF-ELCAC: Telling the Truth is a National Security Imperative, Not Red-Tagging

March 07, 2025

Let it be clear that the state does not have a policy on red tagging.

Hence, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) takes exception that our efforts to expose individuals and organizations linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), amount to "red-tagging." The CPP-NPA-NDF are designated terrorist organizations under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. It is not vilification when the government's claims are based on evidence, which are vetted by our security sector, of individuals and groups openly supporting or even recruiting for armed insurgency.

Where there is fire, there is smoke. The associations of these individual groups go far beyond mere accusations. Over the years, not only did they have members who have embraced the path of violent armed insurgency, but their organizations openly romanticized their deaths. They mercilessly criticize the government for the mistakes its troops commit in the line of duty, yet are mum on the many cases where the CPP-NPA-NDF have committed grave crimes against the Filipino people.

These organizations are quick to decry perceived injustices done to them but are eerily quiet about the many parents who have come forward to testify about how these supposedly legal organizations espoused illegal activities. More importantly, these very organizations, who claim to know everything about resolving the roots of social unrest, seem very antagonistic toward legitimate and proven counter-insurgency efforts of good governance, development, and social service programs that have resulted in the dismantling of the NPA's armed strength.

And now, they conveniently use the Supreme Court’s ruling on red-tagging cases while disregarding its clarification: labeling without basis is not allowed, but unmasking individuals with proven terrorist ties is a national security imperative.

It is worth reiterating that the Philippine government does not engage in baseless accusations. Publicly-known former members of these organizations have courageously exposed the deceptive recruitment tactics of these organizations. Their testimonies have been and continue to be crucial in dismantling false narratives and in protecting our communities. The government remains supportive of social activism that encourages their members to become constructive citizens, not violent extremists.

On a final note, I would like to add that all governments label harmful substances like cigarettes and liquor because they endanger lives. Similarly, we identify individuals and organizations linked to communist terrorist groups because their recruitment and propaganda endanger the Filipino people, particularly the youth.

Undersecretary Ernesto C Torres Jr

Executive Director

NTF ECAC