NTF ELCAC alive, kicking
President Marcos said he will ‘definitely’ continue the anti-insurgency programs of the NTF-ELCAC
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Saturday said that anti-insurgency-related programs being implemented under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) will continue under the Marcos administration.
This was confirmed during a meeting presided over by DND officer-in-charge (OIC) Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. on Friday at the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) headquarters in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Faustino said the security sector’s policies and programs in the next six years will be anchored on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s platforms.
“As assured by the National Security Commission, the programs and campaigns of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict will continue,” he added.
Among the topics discussed were the security situation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the campaign of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) against terrorism and insurgency, as well as the operations being implemented by the Joint Task Force Central of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., and other high-ranking security officers, soldiers, and BARMM officials were also present during the meeting.
Faustino said the security sector’s policies and programs in the next six years will be anchored on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s platforms.
Galvez reiterated that the NTF ELCAC’s anti-insurgency activities “have been very effective” in addressing the root causes of the communist insurgency and in providing development in conflict-affected areas.
President Marcos earlier said he will “definitely” continue the anti-insurgency programs of the NTF ELCAC.
Marcos said the NTF ELCAC’s anti-insurgency programs have provided hopes for people in the far-flung areas to acquire decent housing units and livelihood in peaceful communities.
Senator Ronald de la Rosa earlier filed a measure institutionalizing the NTF ELCAC noting that, he said, will further equip the country in its battle against insurgency.
Bato added the proposed bill will also assure the continued destruction of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front and its front organizations.