A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Monday that the acquittal of five senior members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) highlights the group’s “sophisticated use of lawfare.”
NTF-ELCAC executive director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., said the ruling underscores the insurgents’ efforts to evade accountability and perpetuate impunity.
“It serves as a stark challenge to our law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. The NTF-ELCAC views this as a call to action to strengthen collaboration, enhance investigative capabilities, and ensure the effective presentation of complex insurgency-related cases in court,” Torres said.
His remarks came after the Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266 acquitted Tirso Alcantara, Dionisio Almonte, Diony Borre, Renante Gamara, and Raul Razo of two counts of kidnapping with murder.
While respecting the judiciary, Torres stressed the acquittal reflects persistent challenges in securing justice for victims.
“It reinforces the fundamental truth that sustainable peace cannot be built on impunity. True reconciliation requires accountability,” he added.
Torres vowed that the NTF-ELCAC will intensify support for law enforcement, build stronger cases against insurgents, and push forward the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development.
“The acquittal of these senior cadres is a chapter closed in court, but the broader struggle for justice and lasting peace continues,” he said.
