NTF-ELCAC Reports Significant Progress in Q3, Highlights Ongoing Challenges

October 16, 2024

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) today announced its significant progress in the third quarter of 2024, outlining both its achievements and the challenges that remain.

Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr., NTF-ELCAC Executive Director, emphasized the task force's progress in various areas, including peace and security, reintegration, and socio-economic development. He acknowledged ongoing challenges and the importance of international cooperation.

"Our achievements in peace and security, reintegration, and socio-economic development are not just numbers; they represent our unwavering dedication to transforming lives and communities across the Philippines," said Torres.

The 3rd Quarter Joint Regional Task Forces (JRTFs) and National Clusters' presentation of accomplishment reports revealed several key accomplishments:

- Improved Peace and Security: The NTF-ELCAC successfully enhanced peace and security in multiple regions, recovering firearms, neutralizing key Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) figures, and dismantling several guerilla fronts.

- Successful Reintegration: Over 45,000 former rebels have been reintegrated into society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

- Socio-Economic Development: More than 4,000 barangays have benefited from socio-economic projects under the Barangay Development Program.

- Declaration of Peace and Security: The NTF-ELCAC declared three additional provinces—Biliran, Rizal, and Misamis Occidental—as being in a State of Internal Peace and Security, bringing the total to 35 provinces, 8 cities, and 3 regions now declared stable and secure.

- Nationwide Peace Advocate Summit: Held last September, the summit gathered 62 former CPP cadres who are now peace advocates, allowing them to reintegrate into society and actively participate in nation-building.

Despite these successes, Torres urged everyone to remain vigilant and address the challenges that lie ahead. He mentioned the ongoing challenges related to insurgency, radicalization, and misinformation.

“Let us also acknowledge that our journey is far from over. Malayo na ang ating narating, pero malayo pa ang ating tatahakin,” stressed Torres.

"The fight against these groups must extend beyond our borders. We must confront and dismantle their harmful narratives abroad and work in collaboration with global partners to cut off any sources of funding and support originating beyond our borders," he added.

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo M. Año also highlighted the crucial role of international collaboration in protecting Filipino workers abroad, noting that the Department of Migrant Workers, led by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, has been actively assisting in combating exploitation, recruitment, and resource generation by CTGs in countries where CPP-NPA-NDF is active.

Año likewise stressed the need for sustained peacebuilding efforts as the CTG threat continues to decline.

"The need to invest in our peacebuilding efforts is both urgent and essential. As the CTG approaches its decline, we must maintain and strengthen our initiatives, particularly in implementing inclusive and sustainable intervention programs like the BDP. These efforts are vital in addressing the socio-political issues that CTGs have long exploited in their opposition to the government," he said.

Año, also vice chairperson of NTF-ELCAC, outlined several key priorities to further strengthen the NTF-ELCAC's efforts:

- Program JRTF funds within the agency budgets

- Facilitate the immediate signatures of the Data Sharing Agreements

- Strengthening Community Consultations and Peace Dialogues

- Empowering Local Government Units (LGUs)

- Sustaining our Legal and Intelligence Operations

- Expanding Information and Awareness Campaigns

"Through your accomplishments, we have the proper avenue and the opportunity to chart our path forward through the NTF-ELCAC roadmap," said Año. "Given that aside, I am now encouraging everyone to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop and refine our strategies, strengthen our coordination, and renew our commitment in the name of unity, peace, and development for the benefit of the entire Filipino nation."

The NTF-ELCAC officials, reaffirming their commitment to building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Philippines, emphasized the importance of staying resolute in their mission. This shared vision, fueled by the achievements during this quarter, reinforces the confidence that the task force is moving in the right direction.

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NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Joel M. Sy Egco

09155506969