The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict voiced support for the November 30 anti-corruption demonstration while cautioning against possible exploitation by communist insurgents.
Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. said peaceful civic action strengthens democratic institutions.
“A vibrant and engaged citizenry is a sign of a living democracy,” Torres said in a statement.
The task force affirmed citizens’ right to demand transparency and accountability ahead of Sunday’s rally organized by various civic groups.
However, the agency warned that the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing the New People’s Army, and allied groups have historically hijacked legitimate protests to advance their agenda.
Torres cited former rebels who described how party operatives infiltrate mass movements to radicalize participants.
The task force urged security forces to exercise maximum tolerance and remain apolitical while protecting demonstrators’ rights.
Meanwhile, Torres also criticized the Makabayan bloc’s proposal for a transitional council, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to exploit anti-corruption sentiment.
He said such maneuvering undermines democratic institutions and creates instability.
“This proposal abandons constitutional process and courts instability. It is an extra-legal gambit meant to exploit the momentum of citizen-led anti-corruption movements and inject a political project that bypasses our laws. Maneuvering such as this risks eroding public trust, undermines our democratic institutions, and creates the fertile conditions that peace spoilers can exploit,” he explained.
Torres referenced September demonstrations where youth and minors were allegedly used to advance political narratives.
“But vigilance is also necessary. We do not want a repeat of what we witnessed during the September 21 demonstrations, where youth, including minors, were used to push a political narrative. Vulnerable sectors must be shielded from being exploited as pawns and recruited to serve the agenda of terrorist or extremist groups,” he said.
The NTF-ELCAC called on government agencies, civil society and citizens to protect the rally’s integrity and ensure it serves reform rather than destabilization efforts.
The official statement can be read here: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1199446292287481&id=100066663642420&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=1T8bDxW1acEdfB00# (JCO/PIA-NCR)
