NTF-ELCAC to further strengthen development programs as CTG leadership collapses

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) once again reiterates its commitment to end all communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and intensify its development initiatives and whole-of-nation approach, as the NTF-ELCAC Secretariat expressed pride over recent accomplishments of the government in the campaign against the CTGs.

“This month pa lang, marami na tayong accomplishments in our efforts to end the CTGs. I am commending the EastMinCom (Eastern Mindanao Command) for the recent dismantling of 6 CTG units in Eastern Mindanao. Earlier this month, Palawan was declared insurgency-free, a major victory for the WesCom (Western Command) and Palawan local government. It is now time to double our efforts in facilitating development projects in these areas,” NTF-ELCAC Secretariat Executive Director Emmanuel Salamat said on Saturday, December 17.

Because of recent events and successful military operations in different regions, the CTGs are expected to significantly weaken due to a crisis in leadership, he added.

As the death of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)- New People’s Army (NPA)- National Democratic Front (NDF) founder Jose Maria Sison was announced by the CTGs and several news outlets, Salamat urged the public to continue pursuing the path to lasting peace, even as he stressed the NTF-ELCAC remains focused on its objectives and direction.

“Enough for so much blood spilled, lives lost, the awful grief sown by violent terrorist groups such as the CPP/NPA/NDF… Let us discourage our deceived brothers and sisters from clinging to their hopes on a false ideology that political change and national well-being can only be achieved by way of the barrel of a gun,” said Salamat.

Salamat also urged peace advocates and stakeholders to make use of “huge opportunities to make a difference by giving our passion and commitment for the people we are mandated to serve.”

“A new chapter for our country and people awaits — a new hope for peace and progress, as our collective and whole-of-nation commitment unites us in achieving inclusive peace and development for our fellow Filipinos, particularly in the conflict-affected and vulnerable communities — for love of God and country,” Salamat said.

The NTF-ELCAC remains committed to facilitate delivery of services and development programs in areas previously inaccessible due to intimidation and violence perpetrated by the CTGs, and end the local communist armed conflict once and for all.

The NTF-ELCAC is composed of the following clusters in its whole-of-nation approach in attaining true and lasting peace for the country: Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment; Local Government Empowerment; Infrastructure and Resource Management; Localized Peace Engagement; ; Legal Cooperation; Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support; Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty Program; International Engagement Cluster; Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment; Strategic Communications; and Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management.