A high-ranking official with the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) warned Wednesday that Metro Manila has become the “ground zero” for propaganda efforts by communist rebel groups.

Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the task force, said the government has monitored a surge in coordinated online activity driven by National Capital Region-based front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF).

“As the political, economic and information hub of the country, NCR is deliberately targeted by communist terrorist groups as a primary battleground for propaganda and psychological operations,” Torres told DAILY TRIBUNE.

Torres characterized the shift toward digital platforms and social media as a sign of the movement’s weakening influence in rural areas.

He argued that the transition from rural armed confrontation to urban disinformation reflects an attempt by the group to manufacture relevance where their narratives have otherwise failed.

“This is not strength. This is desperation,” Torres said.

The task force director called for a “whole-of-nation” approach to defend the information space. He urged government communicators and the public to treat the digital domain as a “decisive front” in maintaining national stability.

Torres said these efforts are anchored in the National Action Plan on Unity, Peace, and Development 2025–2028. The framework is designed to address the root causes of armed conflict while strengthening community resilience against manipulation.

“How we defend the truth here will shape peace and stability not only in the capital, but across the nation,” Torres said.