NTF-ELCAC Refutes Allegations of Red-Tagging at Ateneo de Davao Event, Emphasizes Protection of Youth

October 17, 2024

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has belied allegations of red-tagging during a roundtable discussion organized by Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), where Task Force officials and former rebels clarified that the agency’s purpose is to inform and protect, not to intimidate.

“We are not red-tagging; we are truth-telling,” NTF ELCAC Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. asserted, addressing the allegations head-on.

He emphasized that NTF-ELCAC’s mission is to safeguard the public, particularly the youth, from deceptive recruitment practices by front organizations linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples' Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

According to Torres, these groups exploit the idealism of the youth, disguising their true agenda behind the veneer of legitimate activism.

"It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our youth from organizations that, while claiming to champion democracy, are actively working to further the violent agenda of these terrorist groups," he stressed.

The discussion also touched on accusations that NTF-ELCAC is demonizing groups like Anakbayan and other youth organizations. Torres was clear in distinguishing between genuine activism and subversive recruitment.

“We respect legitimate activism as a crucial part of our democracy. However, there is a line between advocacy and recruitment into terrorism. NTF-ELCAC is dedicated to exposing those organizations that serve the interests of the CPP-NPA-NDF, to protect our youth from being misled," he pointed out.

Further allegations claim that red-tagging by NTF-ELCAC has led to harassment, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations which Torres categorically denied, reaffirming that the task force’s operations are conducted within the framework of the law.

“Our mission is to promote peace and development, and we do not condone any form of violence or harassment. Any suggestion otherwise is a baseless attempt to discredit the government's legitimate efforts to combat terrorism," he further stressed.

Torres also addressed the misrepresentation of a Supreme Court ruling regarding red-tagging as he acknowledged the Court’s decision but pointed out that the term “red-tagging” has been weaponized to shield certain groups from accountability.

He explained that the government’s role is to protect the public, especially the youth, from being dragged into the armed insurgency under the pretense of activism. Torres also emphasized the NTF-ELCAC's commitment to transparency and public safety.

“The government offers peaceful avenues for addressing grievances, including economic programs and local peace initiatives. It is the terrorist organizations that manipulate the idealism of the youth and lure them into violence,” he explained. He also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to provide better opportunities for the youth through education, livelihood programs, and reforms aimed at uplifting communities.

On the broader issue of insurgency, Torres acknowledged the underlying socio-economic issues but rejected the notion that armed struggle is a viable solution. “We recognize that poverty and inequality are real challenges, but taking up arms is not the answer. The government has already initiated reforms to address these concerns, and NTF-ELCAC is committed to bringing development and services to vulnerable areas to remove the conditions that fuel insurgency.”

He reaffirmed NTF-ELCAC’s dedication to promoting peace and national development, adding: “Our goal is to ensure that no Filipino youth is misled into the violent and destructive path of insurgency. We invite all sectors to work with us in achieving lasting peace through dialogue and cooperation, not division."

NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

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