NTF-ELCAC whole-of-nation approach vs Reds most effective: Senate

MANILA — The “whole-of-nation” approach by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in dealing with communist terrorist groups (CTGs) was given a positive feedback by the Senate panel that recently investigated the alleged red-tagging by the military of certain personalities, individuals, and organizations.

In the panel report dated February 22, 2021, the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation believed that the whole-of-nation approach “could be the most effective anti-insurgency program as evidenced by the continuous and consistent reduction of the influence and strength of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army)” despite “isolated blunders.”

The communist rebellion in the country, said to be the longest-running insurgency in Asia at over 50 years, remains a major threat to national security.

The armed struggle has hindered the national government’s goal of securing peace and order towards a meaningful and sustainable development, especially in the countryside.

“Executive Order No. 70, s. 2018, adopting the whole-of-nation approach against insurgency through the creation of the NTF-ELCAC, is effective and provides a better alternative to the unsustained and intermittent peace talks which the CPP-NPA-NDF has taken advantage of over the years,” Senate Committee Report No.186, signed by committee chair Senator Panfilo Lacson and 12 other senators, read.

The 66-page report said the NTF-ELCAC refocuses existing government policy concerning armed conflicts as a manifestation of a broader and deeply-rooted social problem, more than being a military concern.

The information campaign being undertaken by the NTF-ELCAC is also vital in encouraging parents, whose children were recruited and turned into child warriors, to speak up and seek government help.

“This Committee recognizes the duty of the NTF-ELCAC to raise awareness against the CPP-NPA, considering the increase of child recruitment and deaths of young Filipinos in military and NPA encounters,” the report stated.

The Senate committee encouraged the security sector, where NTF-ELCAC is part of, to further strengthen its intelligence gathering and analysis capability to ensure that every information used Is verified and actionable.

It added that accomplishments gained through the localized peace talks should be highlighted to counter vilification campaigns made by CTG sympathizers targeting the genuine purpose of EO 70 while earning the support of the public towards a long-lasting peace in the country.

The European Union, through Council Decision 2011/70/CFSP dated January 11, 2011, designated the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.