‘Batman and Robin’: 2 senators back NTF-ELCAC programs

BILLING their tandem as the local version of DC Comics characters “Batman and Robin,” Senators Robin Padilla and Ronald Dela Rosa vowed to team up to push peace programs of the National Task Force to End Local Communist

Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Noting the NTF-ELCAC has good programs to address the threats from communist rebels via development programs, especially in remote areas, the two senators committed to boost efforts to restore peace in strife-torn communities caught in the crossfire of armed conf licts in the countryside.

In an interview, Padilla affirmed Dela Rosa could boost the NTF-ELCAC, adding, “As far as Senator Dela Rosa’s intentions to support the NTFELCAC are concerned, I believe we can be a ‘Batman and Robin’ tandem.”

“We have seen the positive effects of the NTF-ELCAC’S projects especially in remote barangays that are not accessible to everyone,” Padilla said. “In fact, the NTF-ELCAC, in many cases, has been the bridge between government and the people,” he added.

Padilla, on Monday, reaffirmed support in institutionalizing the NTF-ELCAC due to its development projects in areas cleared of the New People’s Army’s influence.

At the same time, the senator also assured their full support behind localized peace talks which, he noted, “have been effective.”

He reminded that their tandem became “the face of NTF-ELCAC when we were at the Philippine Army welcoming surrenderees.’’

“Naging mukha tayo niyan nang tayo pu mu punt asama la lay ong lug ar, na ki ki pagu sap tayo ay nag-welcomes am ga nag surrender. it op ab ora kori to. is a ito sam ga programa ng gobyerno na napakaganda [I served as the face of the NTF-ELCAC having been in the Philippine Army. I talked to and welcomed surrenderees. I am in favor of this, this is one very good government program],” he added.