The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) will not be abolished and will continue its efforts to combat insurgency and promote development in isolated communities, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Monday.
“Let me also make it very clear: the NTF-ELCAC will not be abolished. The Task Force remains indispensable—not only as a counter-insurgency mechanism but also as a model of effective government convergence,” Año stated.
Año, who also serves as NTF-ELCAC vice chair, emphasized that the task force will uphold its principles of peacebuilding, community empowerment, and good governance under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Under the President’s directive, the NTF-ELCAC will continue to exist, evolve, and strengthen—aligned with the vision of unity, peace, and sustainable development for our nation,” he added.
The statement came following the first quarter accomplishment report presented by the Joint Regional Task Forces and National Clusters, which highlighted improvements in their programs addressing the root causes of insurgency. These included the continued implementation of the Barangay Development Program and the establishment of Local Amnesty Boards to support former rebels.
Año also warned against possible attempts by insurgent groups like the CPP-NPA-NDF to regain influence, especially with the upcoming midterm elections.
“Recovery efforts by the CPP-NPA-NDF are ongoing and one way of doing this is by exploiting political spaces and elections especially as the midterm polls (are) fast approaching. Let me emphasize: We cannot allow even the slightest room for resurgence,” he said.
