CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) has reiterated the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the lingering threats posed by communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) in Central Luzon.
During the fifth episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency for 2025, Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) cluster lead and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Regional Director Ulysses Untalan emphasized that the fight against insurgency requires sustained collaboration among national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), the private sector, and the communities.
While armed insurgency has significantly weakened in Central Luzon, there is a need for LGUs to take a proactive role to prevent resurgence.
“LGUs should be empowered to address insurgency problems at the local level. Now that we are transitioning from military operations to development-based initiatives, it is crucial that local leaders remain proactive in sustaining peace efforts,” Untalan stated.
The CTG-aligned groups exploit social and economic grievances such as poverty, unemployment, and tuition hikes to radicalize individuals.
To counter these recruitment efforts, the RTF-ELCAC SAKM cluster has expanded its collaboration with various NGAs, ensuring that basic services, economic programs, and education opportunities reach vulnerable communities.
Among its initiatives is the Serbisyo Caravan, a joint effort with LGUs and NGAs such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Health which brings livelihood programs, medical services, and educational assistance directly to communities previously affected by insurgency.
Another critical aspect of the whole-of-nation approach is intensified information dissemination, particularly in educational institutions and labor sectors.
Untalan said NICA has been leading awareness campaigns in collaboration with academic institutions, barangay councils, and private sector representatives.
“We need to ensure that students, teachers, and labor leaders are informed about the deceptive tactics of CTG recruitment. The more they know, the harder it becomes for these groups to infiltrate,” he pressed.
Moreover, the official added that security sector coordination remains essential in this strategy.
With this, NICA has been working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to ensure that they remain vigilant against underground CTG movements.
Seminars such as the “Knowing the Enemy” series have been conducted to equip the military and the police with intelligence and strategies to prevent insurgency resurgence.
NICA also emphasized the role of local communities in reporting CTG activities, noting that more civilians are now actively cooperating with authorities.
“We have seen a rise in reports from communities regarding suspected CTG activities. This shows that our awareness campaigns are working, and people are no longer easily deceived by their propaganda,” Untalan stated.
Moving forward, the RTF-ELCAC remains committed to strengthening collaborations with all sectors to ensure that the peace and security gains in Central Luzon are sustained. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)