The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has attributed the declining influence of communist insurgents in rural communities to the government’s continued implementation of development and peace-building programs in formerly conflict-affected areas.
In a statement Friday, October 9, the task force reported that 28,415 barangays across 60 provinces nationwide have been placed under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) declarations.
“For NTF-ELCAC, the 28,415 SIPS barangays across 60 provinces represent a stark measure of how much ground the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) armed insurgency has lost,” the agency said.
Of the total, 21,614 barangays are located in nine regions that have achieved SIPS status, while another 6,801 belong to provinces in regions working toward the same designation.
The task force emphasized that sustaining peace and strengthening government services in these communities remain essential to preventing the resurgence of armed conflict.
NTF-ELCAC deputy director for operations Rodrigo Lutao said the expansion of SIPS areas is closely linked to the government’s development initiatives in communities previously affected by insurgency.
As of September 29, the Barangay Development Program (BDP) had reached 5,638 formerly conflict-affected barangays, supported by Php 44.90 billion in development investments benefiting an estimated 16.03 million Filipinos.
According to Lutao, these investments have funded 955 classrooms, 1,587.02 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 23,681 streetlights, 1,169 water and sanitation systems, 9,264 electrification projects, and 547 health and medical stations.
For 2026, the government allocated another Php 8.08 billion for development projects in 808 barangays previously cleared of insurgent influence.
The funding covers the construction and improvement of roads, educational facilities, water systems, health stations, and electrification infrastructure.
Lutao said the figures reflect what the task force considers two parallel developments: the weakening presence of armed insurgent groups and the expansion of government services in vulnerable communities.
“The SIPS and BDP figures therefore tell two interconnected stories: the shrinking space for armed insurgency and the expanding presence of government and development,” he said.
He added that improving access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and economic activities is crucial to maintaining peace in areas previously affected by armed conflict.
The NTF-ELCAC said its priority is to ensure that development initiatives and effective local governance help sustain the security gains reported in these communities.
