PBBM tells NTF-ELCAC to press further with greater resolve

December 7, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized on Friday to the National Task Force to End Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) the need for continued determination and unity in their mandate to end the Communist insurgency in the context of the country's quest for peace and progress.

In his speech marking the 6th anniversary of NTF-ELCAC at Camp Aguinaldo, Marcos lauded the government’s anti-insurgency body for its unwavering efforts to address the root causes of insurgency and rebuild communities affected by conflict.

“The path to lasting peace is fraught with myriad challenges. Emerging threats to national security demand both caution and innovation. We must continue to ensure that our programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of our communities,” he said in a message read by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr.

He added: “Beyond these efforts, we must emphasize stakeholder engagement and improve our partnership with the other sectors of society.”

The NTF-ELCAC, he said, was formed with a solemn promise to turn the tide against decades of division and violence.

“This anniversary is a testament to the power of solidarity and perseverance. Six years may seem brief, but in that time, lives have been rebuilt, and hope has been reignited in communities long forgotten by peace,” Marcos added, expressing his appreciation for the task force’s relentless efforts in helping address the root causes of insurgency.

Marcos practically cold water over incessant calls by Leftist groups for the abolition of NTF ELCAC which has been the game changer in the quest to defeating the CPP-NPA-NPA.

Also congratulating the Gawad Parangal Awardees for their dedication and service that have significantly contributed to the peace-building initiatives, he highlighted the collaborative efforts of government agencies, private individuals, institutions, and the general public in achieving significant milestones in combating insurgency.

“You stand as a shining example of dedication and service. Your work has left a lasting impact on areas once gripped by conflict,” Marcos said. “These victories reaffirm our unwavering commitment to achieving real and lasting peace in our country.”

He cited the success of various convergence programs such as the Barangay Development Program (BDP), Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and ongoing amnesty program in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities.

While acknowledging the progress towards lasting peace, Marcos emphasized the importance of vigilance and the need to adapt to emerging threats to national security.

“They represent a holistic approach to peacebuilding, which helps address the symptoms of conflict as well as its underlying causes,” he said.

He stressed the necessity of engaging stakeholders and partnering with different sectors of society to ensure continued success in the journey towards sustainable peace.

“While we mark our progress towards our goal of a lasting and sustainable peace, we must remain vigilant and continue to build on what we have achieved thus far,” Marcos added.”

He called on everyone to be inspired by the sixth anniversary of NTF-ELCAC to push forward with greater determination. “As you gather today, may this anniversary inspire us to press forward with even greater resolve. Together, let us continue to invigorate a Bagong Pilipinas-one marked by peace and progress in our communities across the country,” he said.

He envisioned a future where violence would be a thing of the past and peace and progress would reign supreme in communities nationwide. “Together, we can build a future where violence is no longer a recourse but simply a part of the past,” Marcos said.

NTF-ELCAC was created by Executive Order 70 on December 4, 2018, institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach to finally end the more than five-decades-old communist menace.###

NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Dr. Joel M. Sy Egco, PhD, MPSA

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