AFP calls on Reds to surrender on PH Communist Party’s 56th anniversary

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) renewed its call for communist insurgents to surrender on the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) founding 56 years ago. 

“Through decisive operations and a whole-of-nation approach, their capabilities have been significantly crippled, with only one weakened guerrilla front set for dismantling,” said AFP Chief-of-Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. in a statement on Thursday. 

The Philippine military claimed that the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, faces “a leadership vacuum, shrinking membership, and diminished operational capabilities.” 

“We urge the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to abandon their armed struggle, reunite with their families, and contribute to peaceful and progressive communities,” said Brawner.

“The AFP, in collaboration with other agencies, is committed to supporting those who surrender through various reintegration programs by the government. Let us work together for lasting peace and a better future for all Filipinos.” 

In its own statement, the CPP called on its entire membership and the NPA to “frustrate” the AFP in its efforts to contain the insurgency. 

“We are determined to frustrate the enemy’s all-out war, recover from our losses, gain new victories and advance the Filipino people’s revolutionary resistance,” it said.

“The Party’s rectification movement has inspired the Red fighters of the New People’s Army to persevere along the arduous path of the protracted people’s war to rebuild and expand the mass base, defend the people against state terrorism, preserve and strengthen the NPA, and frustrate the enemy’s strategic offensives,” it added. 

The anti-communist task force earlier said that only one guerilla front of the NPA is left. 

NTF-ELCAC Secretariat Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said there were 89 active guerilla fronts when the task force was established in December 2018. Now, he noted that there are no more active guerilla fronts.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. issued four proclamations in November last year granting amnesty to rebels including former members of the CPP-NPA, and the National Democratic Front.

The amnesty was granted "to encourage them [rebels] to return to the folds of law.” — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News