OFFICIALS of the 10th Infantry Division and Davao City Police Office (DCPO) emphasized the importance of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the region’s fight against insurgency.
Their comments come amid discussions about the task force’s possible abolishment.
Speaking at Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Major Ruben Gadut, the newly designated spokesperson for the 10ID, highlighted the task force’s role beyond simply maintaining stability.
Gadut stressed the program’s focus on assisting areas still facing insurgency through a “whole-of-nation approach.”
“This aims to address the root causes of rebellion by involving various government agencies in providing services and livelihood projects,” he said.
Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay and community outreach
Captain Hazel Tuazon, the DCPO spokesperson, echoed Gadut’s sentiments, pointing out the success of the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) program, established under Executive Order 70.
Tuazon said the RPSB allows police to reach remote areas and provide essential services while fostering community engagement.
Captain Tuazon further emphasized that the NTF-ELCAC goes beyond traditional security measures. She explained how the task force facilitates livelihood projects in underserved areas, contributing to long-term stability and reducing the appeal of insurgency.
NSC clarifies NTF-ELCAC status
Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) recently clarified the NTF-ELCAC’s status.
Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya refuted claims of the task force’s abolishment, stating that the Supreme Court decision on red-tagging was not directed at the NTF-ELCAC itself.
