NATIONAL Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) executive director, Usec. Ernesto ‘Jun’ Torres, dared Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel, to make good his threat of suing the task force for linking him to the communist terrorist movement.
“If Manuel genuinely believes we are in the wrong, he should not hesitate to file any charges he deems appropriate.
“We welcome the legal process, as it will allow for a deeper examination of his affiliations. Let it be clear: we will not retract any of our statements or videos that expose individuals and groups acting as fronts for the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Torres said, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing, the New People’s Army and their umbrella front, National Democratic Front.
Torres reiterated that the evidence against Manuel is “substantial and grounded in testimonies” from former NPA officials who have provided sworn statements before the Senate and have consistently reaffirmed their claims in various public forums.
Key witnesses include Arian Jane Ramos, former Secretary of the Guerilla Front 55 of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command, and Justine Kate Raca, a former NPA political officer.
“We are not making baseless accusations; we are committed to uncovering the truth.
High-ranking defectors from the communist terrorist organization have detailed Manuel’s active involvement in the radicalization and recruitment of students into the underground movement. More incriminating evidence will be disclosed soon,” Torres warned.
Raca testified that during her tenure as UP Student Regent in 2017, Manuel played a significant role in recruiting students for the CPP-NPA.
Raca averred Manuel used his position to identify and radicalize students, facilitating their entry into the underground movement by providing ideological discussions and logistical support for sending recruits to NPA-controlled areas.
“He wasn’t merely a sympathizer—he was a key operative within UP,” Raca asserted.
Ramos corroborated this by revealing that Manuel participated in a revolutionary integration program at an NPA camp in Mindanao in 2017.
“You cannot enter an NPA camp unless you are a member of the Communist Party,” Ramos pointed out.
“Manuel was there, leading a group of over a dozen student recruits.”
VP Sara praises Phil. Army for death of Sularte
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte heaped praises to the operating units of the 4th Infantry Division for the neutralization last February 12, 2025 of Myrna ‘Ka Maria Malaya’ Sularte, among the few remaining highest ranking CPP-NPA leaders in Mindanao and the entire country (Pinoy Exposé, February 15, 2025).
“My salute to the members of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division based in Cagayan de Oro, the 901st (Fight ‘Em) Brigade based in Surigao del Norte and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the successful operation in the pursuit of NPA terrorist leader Myrna Sularte,” said the Vice President in the vernacular in a public message last February 24.
“For too long, it is a burden to Filipinos, especially in Mindanao, the insurgency being headed by Sularte. She was considered as among the highest and important members of the CPP-NPA-NBF in the country.”
Duterte also warned the military that in the country’s continuing problem with terrorism, some of its agents are now “part of our bureaucracy,” clearly referring to, among others, the members of the ‘Makabayan Bloc’ in Congress like Manuel and who are now also part of the ruling coalition.
More surrenders with death of Sularte
The death of Sularte continues to impact on the morale of the remaining members and leaders of the CPP-NPA, especially in Northeastern Mindanao.
In a statement, Capt. Jonel Castillo, 901st Brigade spokesperson, said in a statement that last February 21, over a week after Sularte’s demise was confirmed, seven members of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NEMRC), decided to surrender to the operating battalions of the 901st Brigade, bringing along with them their firearms.
The personalities include Chrytal Malaya Sagbigsal aka Islaw, member of Instructors Bureau, HQF Staff; Jerry Orvoc Manliguis aka Jigjig, member of SRSDG Westland; Militia ng Bayan (MB) Members Gilbert Quiñonez Azarcon aka Jose and Vangelyn Alimbuyong aka Maria, who surrendered to the 36IB under Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Viray, in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
Moreover, Marjun Tumambad Gubay aka Jego and Firmin Villatura Iligan aka Agila, members of SRSDG Southland, along with their firearms—one (1) M1 Carbine with magazines and ammunitions, two (2) hand grenades, and one (1) revolver with ammunitions—surrendered to the 65IB under Lieutenant Colonel Ray Anthony Sisican, in Barangay Calaitan, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.
On the other hand, Rodel Enano Hidi aka Kawren, a member of Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG), surrendered to 30IB under Lieutenant Colonel Albert Batingga in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.