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Luke 12:15 - 21 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Monday, 14 April 2025

The NTF ELCAC Story

 The NTF ELCAC

During President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) implemented a comprehensive strategy to curb the growth of the New People's Army (NPA) and dismantle communist insurgency in the Philippines. Here are the key achievements:​Philippine News Agency+11Philippine News Agency+11PIA+11

📉 Reduction of NPA Guerrilla Fronts

🕊️ Surrender and Reintegration of Rebels

  • Over 20,000 individuals associated with the CPP-NPA-NDF surrendered between 2016 and 2021. ​Philippine News Agency

  • The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) facilitated the reintegration of former rebels, providing them with livelihood assistance and support.​Philippine News Agency

🏘️ Barangay Development Program (BDP)

  • The BDP targeted barangays cleared of insurgency, providing them with infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, health stations, and livelihood programs. ​PIA+1Philippine News Agency+1

  • By 2023, a total of 959 villages benefited from the BDP, receiving development projects worth up to PHP 20 million each. ​Philippine News Agency+1PIA+1

⚖️ Legal Actions and Community Engagement

🏗️ Infrastructure and Basic Services

  • Construction of thousands of kilometers of roads and bridges to improve access to remote areas.​

  • Electrification of 40 sitios and establishment of over 8,000 barangay health stations. ​NTF-ELCAC

  • Closure of insurgency-linked schools and establishment of 9,691 "last mile" schools to provide education in far-flung areas.​NTF-ELCAC

These concerted efforts under the NTF-ELCAC's whole-of-nation approach significantly weakened the NPA's presence and influence, contributing to enhanced peace and development across the Philippines during President Duterte's tenure.


After PRRD's Term

Several lawmakers, particularly from the Makabayan bloc and other progressive groups, have called for the defunding or abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Their concerns center on the task force's alleged inefficiencies, such as delays in implementing Barangay Development Program (BDP) projects, and accusations of red-tagging against activists and community organizers.​GMA Network | News and Entertainment

🏛️ Lawmakers Advocating to Defund or Abolish NTF-ELCAC

House of Representatives

  • Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list): Manuel has consistently advocated for defunding the NTF-ELCAC, citing delays in project implementation and proposing that its budget be reallocated to national agencies focusing on education, health, and social services. ​Inquirer.net+3Home | DZRH News Official Website+3Malaya Business Insight+3

  • Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Party-list): Brosas has opposed increasing the NTF-ELCAC's budget, asserting that it is used for repression and harassment of progressive groups. She supports defunding the task force and redirecting funds to social services. ​Malaya Business Insight+1Inquirer.net+1

  • Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-list): Castro has called for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, arguing that its budget diverts crucial funds from essential social services and economic development. ​Philstar

Senate

  • Sen. Risa Hontiveros: Hontiveros has supported defunding the NTF-ELCAC, criticizing its red-tagging practices and advocating for reallocating its budget to health and social welfare programs. ​GMA Network | News and Entertainment+2RAPPLER+2Inquirer.net+2

  • Sen. Joel Villanueva: Villanueva has expressed that the NTF-ELCAC's actions are a misuse of public funds and has called for its defunding, suggesting the budget be used for pandemic-related assistance. ​RAPPLER

  • Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian: Gatchalian has agreed with calls to defund the NTF-ELCAC, stating that the task force's activities do not justify the use of taxpayers' money. ​

  • Sen. Nancy Binay: Binay has advocated for a thorough review of the NTF-ELCAC's budget, emphasizing the need to assess its effectiveness and the appropriateness of its funding. ​GMA Network | News and Entertainment

  • Sen. Franklin Drilon: Drilon has urged for the realignment of the NTF-ELCAC's budget to provide financial assistance to citizens affected by the pandemic, highlighting the need for funds in more critical areas. ​

  • Sen. Grace Poe: Poe has joined other senators in calling for the defunding of the NTF-ELCAC, advocating for the reallocation of its budget to aid pandemic-hit citizens. ​

These lawmakers argue that the NTF-ELCAC's budget would be more effectively used if allocated to programs addressing education, health, and social services, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing concerns about human rights.



The defunding of the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) can have significant ill-effects on Philippine society, particularly in areas historically affected by communist insurgency. Below are key consequences based on current reports, expert analysis, and historical context:

🇵🇭 1. Resurgence of Communist Insurgency (NPA)

  • Reduced Counterinsurgency Operations: Without funding, localized efforts to dismantle guerrilla fronts may weaken, giving the New People’s Army (NPA) room to regroup, rearm, and reestablish influence in remote barangays.

  • Security vacuum: Peace and order in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) may deteriorate, making civilians more vulnerable to extortion, recruitment, and violence.

📖 “When the government presence fades, insurgents thrive.” — security analyst Jose Antonio Custodio

🏚️ 2. Stalled Development in Cleared Barangays

  • The Barangay Development Program (BDP) provides ₱20 million per cleared barangay for infrastructure, schools, water systems, health stations, and livelihood support.

  • Defunding means thousands of barangays may lose critical government support, risking a return to underdevelopment, and making communities susceptible again to rebel propaganda.

📊 As of 2023, 959 barangays benefited from BDP — helping prevent NPA resurgence through development.

🧒 3. Youth Radicalization and NPA Recruitment

  • NTF-ELCAC plays a role in countering radical recruitment, especially among students and indigenous youth, through information drives and deradicalization programs.

  • Defunding may weaken government response to CPP-NPA infiltration in schools and universities, leading to a spike in ideological recruitment.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 4. Collapse of Local Peace Engagements

  • The task force enables Local Peace Engagements (LPEs) that allow surrender, amnesty, and community reintegration of rebels through the E-CLIP program.

  • Without funding, rebel reintegration will stall, pushing ex-rebels back to armed struggle due to lack of livelihood and support.

📉 5. Loss of National Unity and "Whole-of-Nation" Approach

  • NTF-ELCAC embodies the whole-of-nation approach—coordinating between 40+ government agencies to address root causes of insurgency.

  • Defunding may disrupt this inter-agency coordination, leading to fragmented and ineffective responses to national security threats.

💸 6. Waste of Previous Government Investments

  • The gains made in dismantling 89 NPA guerrilla fronts may go to waste if continuity is cut short.

  • Billions already invested in infrastructure, peace-building, and social programs may not bear long-term fruit without sustained implementation.

🛑 7. Empowerment of Anti-Government Propaganda

  • The disbanding or weakening of NTF-ELCAC will be portrayed as a victory by leftist militants and anti-government groups, emboldening their cause.

  • It sends a message that armed struggle may still succeed, undermining democratic processes and weakening public morale.

🔚 Summary: Key Ill-Effects of Defunding NTF-ELCAC

SectorConsequence
SecurityNPA resurgence and instability in rural areas
DevelopmentHalted projects in conflict-cleared barangays
YouthIncreased vulnerability to communist recruitment
ReintegrationCollapse of rebel surrender and livelihood programs
GovernanceBreakdown of multi-agency national approach
Public FundsWasted past investments and unfinished projects
MoraleStrengthened communist propaganda




🗣️ Testimonies from Local Officials and Former Rebels

1. Local Officials:

  • Mayor Roberto Necor of Barbaza, Antique expressed gratitude for the NTF-ELCAC's initiatives, stating that the task force's dialogues with former rebels have been instrumental in addressing their concerns and facilitating their reintegration into society.

2. Former Rebels:

  • Over 45,000 former rebels have been reintegrated into society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), receiving support such as livelihood assistance, housing, and education. This has significantly improved their quality of life and reduced the likelihood of returning to insurgency.

📊 Comparison of Peace Efforts Before and After NTF-ELCAC Implementation

AspectBefore NTF-ELCAC (Pre-2018)After NTF-ELCAC (2018–2024)
Guerrilla Fronts89 active frontsReduced to 4 weakened fronts
Former Rebel ReintegrationLimited programs with minimal reachOver 45,000 former rebels reintegrated through E-CLIP
Barangay DevelopmentSporadic and uncoordinated effortsOver 4,800 projects completed in vulnerable communities
Peace and SecurityOngoing conflicts with frequent skirmishesDeclaration of 35 provinces, 8 cities, and 3 regions as stable and secure




🏞️ Mindanao: Tangub City, Misamis Occidental

  • Barangays Impacted: Sicot, Owayan, San Antonio, and Hoyohoy.​

  • Community Feedback: Residents reported enhanced peace and order, improved socioeconomic conditions, and stronger relationships with the government following NTF-ELCAC interventions.​

  • Study Findings: A mixed-method study involving 140 respondents indicated that the task force's initiatives led to significant positive changes in these communities. ResearchGate​

🏔️ Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

  • Regional Task Force Formation: CAR established its Regional Task Force to implement the Whole-of-Nation approach, focusing on addressing the root causes of insurgency through community development and engagement. ReliefWeb​

🏝️ Visayas: Negros Occidental

  • Localized Peace Engagements: The provincial task force conducted virtual meetings and strategic communication initiatives to promote peace and address local concerns related to insurgency. ​Peace.gov.ph

🏙️ Central Luzon

  • Collaborative Efforts: Government agencies and stakeholders under the Barangay Development Program (BDP) worked together to implement projects aimed at improving infrastructure and services in conflict-affected barangays. ​NCIP

These regional initiatives demonstrate NTF-ELCAC's commitment to fostering peace and development across various parts of the Philippines. If you're interested in more detailed information about specific projects or outcomes in a particular region, feel free to ask!

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