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Abolishing NTF-ELCAC Would Set Back Philippine Government's Efforts Against Insurgency

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) would be detrimental to the fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the Philippines, according to Brig. Gen. Leonardo Pena, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade. Pena warned that ending the task force would undo the progress made in addressing poverty and economic issues, which are at the root of the insurgency. The NTF-ELCAC's whole-of-nation approach, which involves collaboration between government agencies, local government units, and other sectors, has been crucial in achieving gains and accomplishments in the region. The provincial government of Negros Oriental has provided significant support to the anti-insurgency efforts, including the construction of road networks in insurgency-affected areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Abolishing the NTF-ELCAC would set back government efforts to crush the decades-long insurgency in Negros Island and other parts of the country, according to Brig. Gen. Leonardo Pena.
  • The whole-of-nation approach of the Duterte administration, embodied in Executive Order No. 70, focuses on addressing the root causes of the insurgency, including economic problems and poverty.
  • The NTF-ELCAC's approach has been successful in achieving gains and accomplishments in the region, thanks to the collaboration of government agencies, local government units, and other sectors.
  • The provincial government of Negros Oriental has provided significant support to the anti-insurgency efforts, including the construction of road networks in insurgency-affected areas.
  • The 302nd Infantry Brigade's area of coverage includes the central and southern parts of Negros Oriental, the 6th district of Negros Occidental, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.
  • Brig. Gen. Pena praised the strong leadership of the commander-in-chief, President Rodrigo Duterte, for his role in promoting good governance and collaboration between government agencies.
  • The Army commander noted that the previous Oplan Lambat Bitag counter-insurgency strategy during the Aquino and Ramos presidencies was purely militaristic and did not involve the collaboration of government agencies and local government units.
  • The abolition of the NTF-ELCAC would undermine the progress made in addressing poverty and economic issues in the region.

Statistics:

  • The NTF-ELCAC has made significant gains and accomplishments in the region, thanks to the collaboration of government agencies and local government units.
  • The provincial government of Negros Oriental has provided significant support to the anti-insurgency efforts, including the construction of road networks in insurgency-affected areas.
  • The 302nd Infantry Brigade's area of coverage includes a total of 7 provinces in the Visayas region.
  • The NTF-ELCAC's whole-of-nation approach has been successful in addressing the root causes of the insurgency, including economic problems and poverty.

Sources:

  • Philippine News Agency
  • Executive Order No. 70
  • Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte
  • Provincial Government of Negros Oriental
  • 302nd Infantry Brigade
  • Oplan Lambat Bitag counter-insurgency strategy of the government during the Aquino and Ramos presidencies

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