NTF-ELCAC warns Fil-Ams vs. recruitment by communists in PH

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Tuesday warned Filipino-Americans against recruitment by communist groups in the Philippines.

“Ang banta actually ay naka-direkta doon sa mga foreign nationals, particular na yung mga Fil-Ams natin, yung sa ginagawang radikalisasyon, recruitment, doon sa ibang bansa,” said NTF-ELCAC executive director Ernesto Torres Jr. in “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”

(The threat is actually directed toward foreign nationals, particularly our Fil-Ams, regarding the radicalization and recruitment taking place in other countries.)

“Ibig sabihin, mayroon talagang deliberate effort ang CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) beyond the borders of our country na mag-radicalize, mag-recruit, mag-agitate, mag-organize, at sa dulo ay mapapunta dito sa Pilipinas,” he added.

(This means there is a deliberate effort by the CPP-NPA-NDF beyond the borders of our country to radicalize, recruit, agitate, organize, and ultimately end up here to the Philippines.)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier found Filipino-American activist Chantal Anicoche in Abra de Ilog, after she was reported missing following an alleged encounter of the military with the NPA in Occidental Mindoro.

She was later issued an “order to leave” by the Bureau of Immigration as “her continued presence in the country was no longer necessary under immigration and security considerations,” said NTF-ELCAC.

But the NTF-ELCAC clarified that BI's "order to leave" was not “arbitrary” nor a political act, but a "lawful process" based on Anicoche’s own disclosures about her activities.

Furthermore, Torres said foreigners pose a threat by supporting alleged front organizations by the Communist Party.

“Pero ang pinakamalaking banta actually na direktang may epekto sa ating bansa ay yung mga suporta nila sa resources, advocacy outside of our country para manghingi ng suporta sa foreign funding agencies, tsaka nagla-lobby sila ng mga funding para dito sa mga CPP-NPA-NDF front organizations,” said Torres.

(But the biggest threat that actually has a direct effect on our country is their support in terms of resources and advocacy outside of our country—where they ask for support from foreign funding agencies and lobby for funds for these CPP-NPA-NDF front organizations.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News