NTF-ELCAC open to reforms, but says call for abolition 'improper'

While the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is open for reform, it would not be proper to abolish it now.

National Security Council Assistant Director General and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya pointed this out in response to the proposal of United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Irene Khan to abolish the task force on communist rebellion in the Philippines.

"[D]uring the meeting when we discussed the status of the NTF-ELCAC, we assured her that we were open for reform. And we assured her that given the new tone of the current administration, there is an opportunity here for transformation," Malaya said on Friday, Feb. 2.

He, however, explained that given the two supervening events— the strategic victory over the New People’s Army (NPA) and the exploratory peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)— "it would not be proper at this time to abolish the National Task Force ELCAC."

"The National Task Force-ELCAC has been the gamechanger in our government’s fight against the communist terrorism. Please take note that this is a 52 year old running insurgency," Malaya said.

"And now that we have reached this stage in the campaign, we feel that it’s improper to call for its abolition and it would be best, if necessary, to undertake the transition. Because now that we’re winning, what signal does it send to the public, and to the international community that the Philippines, after 40,000 deaths attributed to the communist insurgency, after trillions of dollars and pesos impact on the Philippine economy, they are not calling for the NTF-ELCAC," Malaya stressed.

The Security Council official further said that they also consider Khan's suggestion as a "preliminary recommendation" as it was discussed that the final recommendation will come months after her visit in the country.

"[A]nd she, in fact, requested for documents and other materials that can be used to complete her recommendations," Malaya said.

Khan made the recommendation before leaving the Philippines, noting that it would "allow for more inclusive peacemaking platforms," with a "genuine whole of nation approach to peace."

She said its abolition would also address some of the most critical drivers of red tagging and will allow the Marcos administration to modernize peacebuilding approaches based on the changing political landscape.