THE guerilla fronts in the Philippines have significantly dwindled, according to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).
NTF-Elcac Secretariat Executive Director Ernesto Torres said that from 89, there are now only two guerilla fronts that are active in the country.
On the other hand, Torres said 15 were 'weakened' guerilla fronts.
'It seemed impossible before NTF-Elcac was organized that these many guerilla fronts could be dismantled,' he said during Thursday's Laging Handa Public Briefing.
Torres said that this year, the prospects are brighter as they expect that the remaining active guerilla fronts will be totally dismantled.
'That is why our assessment that all guerilla fronts would be cleared by the end of 2023 is on track,' he said.
On the other hand, Torres said based on the latest data, at least 28,000 communists have so far surrendered to the government. Those who have laid down their arms include regular members of the Communist Party of the Philippines' armed wing the New People's Army, Militia ng Bayan, and the Underground Mass Organization.
The surrenderees received assistance from the national government, including livelihood programs and training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 'so that they will be empowered to rejoin mainstream society,' he pointed out.
'Different programs from various government agencies also continue to provide support to the former rebels so that they may continue with their new life,' said Torres.
These agencies include the Department of the Interior and the Local Government, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
'Civil society organizations also extend help to the surrenderees,' he said.
Torres also pointed out that the program being implemented by the NTF-Elcac is focused on 'local peace engagement' as opposed to the national-level approach.
'This enables local communities to be involved in the peace process,' he said.
In addition, local chief executives are also involved in calling for communist rebels to lay down their arms.