NTF-ELCAC to CPP: Read the Room

December 28, 2024

On the occasion of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) 56th anniversary, the NTF-ELCAC urges its members and leaders to reflect on the irrelevance of their cause in today’s Philippines. From the CPP’s own teachings that “the revolutionary must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea,” it is clear that the "sea" or the Filipino people now demand peace, development, and unity. Persisting in a countercurrent and violent struggle serves neither the people nor the country’s aspirations.

This year's anniversary statement of the CPP's Central Commitee merely repeats outdated critiques of global capitalism and the Philippine socio-political landscape. While it identifies genuine economic challenges, such as stagnation and inequality, it remains blind to significant developments like government-led infrastructure expansion, agricultural diversification, and other long-term initiatives aimed at uplifting the nation. The CPP’s oversimplified analysis and refusal to acknowledge these changes highlight its ideological stagnation. Worse, it conveniently overlooks its own transgressions and the suffering inflicted by its armed conflict on the very communities it claims to serve.

The most glaring omission in the CPP’s narrative is its failure to critically dissect its dramatic decline. It continues to scapegoat the supposed errors of its members and ignore the decisive impact of Executive Order No. 70. Through this policy, the Philippine government has effectively combined military strategies with programs addressing root causes of insurgency, such as improved governance, social service delivery, and infrastructure development. The Philippine government persists in minding the gaps to ensure the violent extremists and terror groomers no longer have issues to exploit. These efforts have rendered the CPP politically and militarily obsolete.

The CPP is now a shadow of its former self. Its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), is reduced to sporadic criminal activities rather than credible tactical offensives. What remains is a disillusioned and depleted force – hungry, exhausted, and isolated. The CPP's business model, in refusing to recognize the evolving aspirations of Filipinos, is bankrupt and will, in no time, be relegated to the dustbin of history.

Ironically, the CPP’s call for its members to “strike deeper roots among the masses” ignores the reality that the masses are tired of war. They demand peace, development, and opportunities for a better future. For its cadres, particularly the youth, the promise of revolution has devolved into a bottomless well of unnecessary sacrifice for an ideology of continuously diminishing returns.

It is time for the CPP to recognize its defeat and consider a political settlement for the sake of its remaining members, particularly its young cadres, who have talents and energy better suited to nation-building. There is no shame in choosing the path of genuine parliamentary struggle, free from the burden of armed violence. Territorial defense, climate action, social justice, sustainment of our peace gains and other pressing challenges await those willing to contribute constructively. These are struggles worth fighting for–ones that do not sow destruction but instead unite Filipinos toward progress.

Finally, as the CPP supposedly reflects on its errors, we remind its leaders of Albert Einstein’s wisdom: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” The error was not actually in how the “people’s war” was waged–the error was in ever waging it in the first place. It is not too late to rectify this error by embracing peace, reform, and transformation.

Secretary Eduardo M Año

National Security Adviser

Vice-Chairperson, NTF ELCAC