MANILA, Philippines – July 28, 2025 — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared the supposed end of guerilla warfare in the Philippines during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, a statement that immediately drew criticism from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
According to the President, armed insurgency has been neutralized, with thousands of former rebels choosing to surrender and reintegrate into society.
“At last, there are no more remaining guerilla groups in the country,” Marcos said in Filipino. “The government will ensure that no new groups will rise again.”
He highlighted the administration’s continued efforts to support former combatants through livelihood and reintegration programs as part of the government’s long-term peace and development strategy.
However, the CPP dismissed the President’s remarks as misleading. In a statement, CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena described Marcos’ pronouncement as “farcical,” asserting that the communist movement remains active and is continuing to grow in various sectors.
“A new generation of young Red fighters is gradually emerging from among workers, farmers, and members of the petty bourgeoisie,” Valbuena stated.
He further argued that Marcos’ declaration implies a closing of the door on potential peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the CPP’s political arm.
The armed struggle led by the CPP and its military wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), has lasted for more than 50 years, making it one of the world’s longest-running insurgencies.
In late 2023, representatives from the Philippine government and the NDFP signed a joint statement in Oslo, Norway, agreeing to resume peace talks aimed at putting an end to decades of conflict. The future of that agreement now appears uncertain in light of the President’s latest statement.
Public sentiment remains divided, with some applauding the administration’s push for peace and others questioning whether the insurgency has truly come to an end.
