Some W. Visayas Officials Junk Calls to Abolish NTF-ELCAC

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Law enforcement officials in Western Visayas have condemned calls to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), calling such proposals unethical and a betrayal of the Constitution.

Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson for Region 6 ELCAC, criticized Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas for urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to dismantle the task force, citing its alleged role in red-tagging and human rights abuses.

“For a government official to call for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, that is very unethical […] You should consider resigning from your post because asking for the abolition of the ELCAC is a betrayal of the Constitution and of the Filipino people,” he said Wednesday, March 19.

He defended the task force’s record, highlighting its impact on insurgency-affected communities through programs implemented under Executive Order (EO) 70.

“For the past four years, the success of the NTF-ELCAC speaks for itself. When you say stop helping the villages affected by the insurgency, it’s like you’re also saying let’s end the government’s most effective program to end the insurgency,” he added.

EO 70, issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, led to the creation of NTF-ELCAC.

The order institutionalized a “whole-of-nation approach” to addressing the communist insurgency by aligning government efforts with private sector capabilities.

This strategy aims to achieve sustainable peace by tackling the root causes of conflict through various government agencies and community engagement.

Gonzales did not mince words against Brosas, saying he “do not appreciate your statement” and that she should “better shut up.”

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6 Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero emphasized that EO 70 integrates military and civilian efforts for peace and development.

He highlighted how NTF-ELCAC-backed civilian-led initiatives have played a key role in reintegration and livelihood support for former rebels.

“From 1,500 NPA members, we now have less than 100, with only 55 considered hardcore,” Ingeniero said.

“This clearly shows that the NPA no longer has control over any area in Region 6,” he added.

3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Assistant Division Commander for Administration Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon noted that the government initially relied on military solutions to address insurgency but later realized the need for a broader strategy.

“The government held a long-standing belief in military solutions. However, we realized we couldn’t do it alone,” he said.

“With EO 70 and the whole-of-nation approach, we transitioned from solely military operations to a strategy that fosters stability through comprehensive support,” he added.

He explained that civilian-led programs, such as livelihood support and reintegration initiatives, filled a critical gap in the peace process.

“EO 70 ensured there is life after surrender and amnesty. It provided former rebels with opportunities for a fresh start, which was previously lacking,” he said.

Brosas is not alone in her opposition to NTF-ELCAC.

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion Irene Khan described the task force as “outdated” and recommended its dissolution due to its alleged role in red-tagging civilians.

Amnesty International also urged the government to abolish NTF-ELCAC, citing concerns over red-tagging and the misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

However, Marcos has reiterated that there are no plans to dissolve the task force.

He emphasized that NTF-ELCAC has been effective in reducing security risks and assisting those who have abandoned the armed struggle.