The Philippine National Police (PNP) has pledged to sustain its campaign against communist insurgency, vowing to preserve recent gains and prevent the re-emergence of armed groups nationwide.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. made the commitment following his participation in a high-level meeting of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During the meeting, officials discussed strategies to preserve peace gains and strengthen the government’s whole-of-nation approach to addressing insurgency. Nartatez emphasized the need for sustained law enforcement operations alongside deeper community engagement to counter extremist influence.
“Law enforcement remains an option, but building stronger ties with communities and intensifying information campaigns against propaganda will be central to our long-term strategy,” he said.
The task force also proposed measures to strengthen the government’s response, including extending the amnesty program for former rebels, advancing key legislation, increasing development funding in previously affected areas, and improving coordination among member agencies.
Nartatez said the PNP’s priority is to protect communities and ensure that peace gains are maintained through sustained operations and close coordination with other government institutions.
“No community should become a refuge for lawless armed groups. Peace and development are fundamental rights, and we are committed to helping deliver them,” he said.
He underscored the importance of interagency coordination in preventing insurgents from regaining a foothold, adding that the PNP will continue working closely with partner agencies to strengthen the campaign.
The PNP chief also said the organization will align its operations with broader national peace initiatives, combining law enforcement with community-based programs and public information efforts to keep localities stable and free from insurgency threats.