President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has no intention of abolishing the National Task Force to End Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), an official of the National Security Council said.
In a statement, NSC Assistant Director-General Jonathan Malayaclarified that Executive Order No. 23, which protects the freedom of association, does not pave the way for NTF-ELCAC’s abolition.
“Nowhere does it state in Executive Order No. 23 that the NTF ELCAC will be abolished or dismantled,” he said.
“As chairman of the NTF ELCAC, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is firmly committed to the whole of nation approach to finally ending Communist terrorism in the country and he, in fact, has directed the Task Force to intensify its efforts since we have already attained strategic victory over the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Malaya added.
He claimed 75% of all NPA guerilla fronts had been dismantled, while only 22 of the original 89 fronts remain.
“The President’s marching orders to the NTF ELCAC are clear: Sustain the whole-of-nation approach to peace and development to prevent communist terrorists, their front organizations, and other lawless elements from recruiting, regrouping, and regaining power,” Malaya said.
He said Mr. Marcos directed the Task Force and local government units “to continue working together to seize the gains in the regions and ensure that we carry this momentum towards total victory over communist terrorism under his administration.”
