The newly-formed Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as terrorist group a few days before they celebrate their 52nd founding anniversary this month.

Based on its Resolution No. 12, signed by Executive Secretary and ATC chairperson Salvador Medialdea on December 9, the ATC designated the CPP-NPA as terrorist groups for its acts of violence, various forms of deception, and multiple means of threatening persons and civilization.

In a statement, the ATC said that designating the two groups as enemies of the state meant the "die has been cast".

"Pretending to work for the betterment of the community, the CPP-NPA is able to receive support from international Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to raise funds and continue perpetuating its rebellious deeds," the ATC wrote in its statement.

"By striking fear through violence, they also employ extortion and collection of fees during campaign periods. CPP-NPA has been tagged in numerous election-related encounters," it added.

The ATC designation of the CPP-NPA is the latest among other countries that previously listed them as a terrorist organization. They were designated as such in the United States in 2002, followed by Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

Probable cause

Based on the resolution, the ATC found probable cause that the CPP-NPA committed or conspired to commit the acts defined and penalized under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, prompting the body to declare the groups as enemies of the state.

The resolution likewise cited a petition of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that mentioned 12 incidents that constitute terrorist acts of murder, kidnapping, and arson to back up their decision that the CPP-NPA continues to commit acts of terror to sow fear and panic among the people and to coerce the government to give in to its demands.

"The filing of the said petition by the NPS, DOJ clearly established the existence of probable cause that the CPP-NPA committed, or attempted to commit, or conspired in the commission of the acts defined and penalized by the ATA," the ATC said.

The ATC said that the CPP-NPA aims to "overthrow the duly constituted authorities and seize control of the Philippine Government."

"Similar terrorist acts are continuously committed by the CPP-NPA in different parts of the country up to the present," it said.

What happens now?

According to the ATC, the groups' designation as terrorists may finally end their recruitment of the youth.

"Their decades-long armed struggle and recruitment of the youth to join them may come to a halt with the release of Resolution Number 12 which makes their designation as a terrorist organization," the ATC said.

Being designated as terrorists, the ATC said that the groups' assets will now be subject to the authority of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), giving the latter the power to investigate or freeze them.

The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 provides that "any person who knowingly deals with any property or funds of designated persons or makes available any property or funds or financial services or other related services to such designated persons faces criminal and civil liability."