The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) [1] in the Philippines was established through Executive Order No. 70 to address the roots of the communist insurgency and to implement a whole-of-nation approach in attaining sustainable peace. One of the primary goals of the NTF-ELCAC is to end the presence of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in the country.
The NTF-ELCAC utilizes a multi-sectoral and whole-of-government approach to address the various issues that fuel the CTGs' presence in the country. Its approach includes socio-economic development programs, peaceful negotiation with former rebels, capacity building, and the provision of basic services in conflict-affected areas, among others.
The NTF-ELCAC also engages with the private sector and civil society organizations to ensure that its programs and initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the communities affected by the communist insurgency.
Moreover, the NTF-ELCAC works closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to address the security concerns in the conflict-affected areas. The AFP and PNP carry out law enforcement operations against the CTGs while the NTF-ELCAC implements the necessary programs and initiatives to address the socio-economic and political issues that the CTGs exploit.
The NTF-ELCAC also focuses on clearing barangays (localities) of CTG influence through the Barangay Development Program (BDP). The BDP provides socio-economic development interventions to conflict-affected communities, such as the provision of livelihood assistance, infrastructure, and basic services. The program also aims to empower the communities to take an active role in addressing the issues that the CTGs exploit and to promote peace and development in the area.
Overall, the NTF-ELCAC's approach is aimed at addressing the various issues that drive the communist insurgency, such as poverty, lack of access to basic services, and political marginalization. By addressing these issues and providing an alternative to armed struggle, the NTF-ELCAC hopes to end the presence of CTGs in the country.
[1] National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict - Wikipedia. (2018, December 4). National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Task_Force_to_End_Local_Communist_Armed_Conflict#:~:text=The%20NTF%2DELCAC%20was%20created,of%20the%20following%20executive%20departments