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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Leyte solon rejects call to defund gov't anti-insurgency program

Leyte solon rejects call to defund gov't anti-insurgency program

Published May 3, 2021 03:41 pm

Leyte Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez on Monday appealed to lawmakers to reconsider proposals to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) warning such moves would reduce the government’s gains in the fight against local insurgency.

Torres-Gomez proposed that lawmakers should strike a balance to protect the interest of the government and the public at the same time by putting a stop to the red-tagging of organizers of community pantries.

“At a time when our country is facing its biggest challenge in modern times, let us not forget that we are all in the same boat,” Torres-Gomez said in a statement.

“Identifying community pantry organizers stifles much needed efforts to feed hungry families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.

However, defunding the NTF-ELCAC is not the appropriate action just to vent frustration over red-tagging,” she added.

“Let us focus on the wider perspective. Incapacitating the NTF-ELCAC would be a concession of the government’s gains in the fight against insurgency,” she further said.

She also said the P16-billion budget earmarked for the Barangay Development Program has already helped many former rebels transition to regular citizens.

“This is a major headway towards achieving peace, especially in the countryside,” she stressed.

“In my opinion, it does not have to be one or the other. We can support community pantries, at the same time continue our successful programs towards peace via the NTF-ELCAC,” she pointed out.

The lawmaker, however, said she supports the move to hold NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. accountable for his disrespectful remarks and actions.

“While I strongly agree that public officials should be held accountable for their actions and statements, let us take rational actions that will not jeopardize localized programs to end insurgency,” the solon said.

“This is a time that calls for calm and sound leadership. Let us steer away from drastic actions. Let us all work together to keep our boat afloat during this turbulent time,” she added.

Related Tags

House of Representatives NTF-ELCAC Community Pantry Communist insurgency CPP-NPA-NDF Red-tagging
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