NDFP now becoming irrelevant with massive rebel surrenders

FILE: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (PNA Photo)

MANILA — With the recent spate of surrenders by regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is now fast becoming irrelevant.

“With the government’s sincere efforts to achieve peace even without the formal talks, the NDFP is fast becoming irrelevant. Through the government’s various programs for reintegration, thousands of former rebels have rejoined society,” Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement Saturday.

As of April 15, focused operations by the military alongside intensified stakeholder engagements, resulted in the neutralization of 6,817 members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

A total of 6,709 of them have surrendered, 723 of whom were regular NPAs and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokal members; 513 were Militia ng Bayan; 712 were underground organization members; and 4,761 were mass supporters.

Moreover, 47 NPAs were also killed, while 61 others were apprehended in legitimate military operations.

A total of 288 assorted firearms were also seized from the rebels.

The NDFP is the peace negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.

“Under the President Duterte’s guidance, we are more determined than ever to extend our call for peace and unity – a call for the remaining CPP-NPA to lay down their arms, rejoin their families, fulfill their dreams, and serve as active partners for peace, development and community empowerment,” Lorenzana said.