The Philippine Army (PA) has expressed opposition to renewed peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), aligning itself with the position of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the service fully supports Teodoro’s earlier statement rejecting calls to reopen negotiations, stressing that the government’s security forces remain focused on ending the decades-long insurgency.
Former peace negotiators had recently called for the resumption of talks following a deadly encounter in Negros Occidental that left 19 alleged rebels dead, including individuals identified as students and a community journalist.
Peace negotiations with the communist movement were formally terminated during the previous Duterte administration, which cited the group’s alleged failure to show sincerity in pursuing a lasting agreement.
Teodoro earlier said there is no basis for renewed talks, arguing that the country is already pursuing peace while accusing communist forces of continuing armed violence.
“They are the ones disturbing the peace. So why should we talk to them? They’re committing crimes, plain and simple,” Teodoro said, adding that engaging in talks could be seen as legitimizing armed struggle.
Dema-ala echoed this position, saying the Army maintains that the CPP-NPA-NDF has been designated as a terrorist organization due to its continued attacks against civilians and state forces.
“In light of past failed negotiations and ongoing hostilities, the Philippine Army maintains that lasting peace cannot be achieved without a genuine renunciation of armed struggle,” he said.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has estimated that the NPA’s strength has declined significantly from around 25,000 fighters in the 1980s to roughly 780 in recent years.
Dema-ala said the Army remains committed to dismantling remaining armed units while pursuing a whole-of-nation approach to address insurgency, which has persisted for more than five decades.
“The institution remains committed to protecting the Filipino people, dismantling terrorist networks, and supporting efforts to end insurgency,” he added.
Meanwhile, Army leadership also cited recent operational gains, including those of the 3rd Infantry Division, which it said have weakened communist armed groups in various regions, as part of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.