MANILA, Philippines—National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has stated that the Philippines is approaching a significant milestone in its efforts to end the local communist insurgency, with the country close to becoming “insurgent-free.” 

Government data showed that 89 active guerrilla fronts have been dismantled since 2018, leaving only one weakened insurgent group in the Bicol region.

While Año acknowledged the dismantling of armed groups as a major achievement, he said that the real challenge now lies in maintaining peace and preventing the insurgency from regaining momentum.

“The armed insurgency is nearly gone, but we must now focus on securing and sustaining the peace we’ve achieved,” Año said. 

He saidt that the importance of institutionalizing peace-building measures at the local level, such as barangay task forces and peace councils, will ensure that government support reaches vulnerable communities and prevents insurgent resurgence.

Despite the “weakening” of the armed insurgency, Año pointed out that the ideological and logistical support networks that sustained the movement are still active. 

He raised concerns about the ongoing recruitment efforts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) among youth, particularly in urban centers and schools.

“The insurgency’s ideology is still alive, and recruitment continues, particularly among young people who are being misled into believing that armed struggle is the answer,” Año said, urging the government to focus on educational programs that offer an alternative to radicalization.

Año also called for tighter oversight of foreign funding for non-government organizations (NGOs), claiming that some international aid is being channeled to groups with links to the insurgency. He urged lawmakers to pass legislation ensuring that foreign-funded NGOs are thoroughly vetted to prevent support from reaching armed rebel groups.

“Funding groups that support the insurgency, even unintentionally, only prolongs the conflict,” Año said.

Año further pointed to the Barangay Development Program (BDP) as a key component of the government’s strategy. Since 2021, the program has allocated over P36 billion for infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood projects in 4,800 barangays, many of which were previously insurgent strongholds.