President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), stating that he will “never abolish” the agency. His declaration reinforces the government’s stance on counterinsurgency efforts but has sparked criticism from opposition groups.
House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas denounced Marcos’ decision, arguing that it continues the repressive policies of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Brosas and other progressive lawmakers have long criticized NTF-ELCAC for alleged human rights violations, red-tagging, and militarization in rural communities.
Despite these criticisms, Marcos maintains that the task force has played a key role in addressing local insurgencies and fostering peace in conflict-affected areas. Supporters argue that dismantling the agency would weaken national security efforts, while critics insist on redirecting its budget toward social services and human rights protections.
The debate over NTF-ELCAC’s future is expected to remain a contentious issue, with lawmakers and advocacy groups pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the agency’s operations.
