In the recent fifth National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Committee meeting, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the presented data revealed a notable decline in communist insurgency following a drop in guerilla fronts and members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs).
According to the reports presented at said meeting, there has been a substantial decrease in CTG activity. Figures revealed a 21.5% reduction in the number of CTG members, dropping from 2,008 in 2022 to 1,576 by the end of 2023. Additionally, firearms associated with these groups decreased by 22.6% during the same period.
Furthermore, it was also revealed that monitoring efforts have identified 18 underground mass organizations (UGMOs) overseeing 30 CTG front organizations, comprising 574 chapters and 2,330 identified members.
Addressing internal security concerns, various strategies were discussed, including the dismantling of 78 guerilla fronts since 2017, leaving only 11 weakened fronts by the end of 2023, and notably, with no active guerilla fronts remaining.
Moreover, the data presented disclosed that following the establishment of Regional Task Forces nationwide, stability in internal peace and security has been declared in three regions, 19 provinces, and eight cities.
Also presented during the meeting were progress in infrastructure development and employment support initiatives, with over 85,000 hectares granted to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries along with more than 50,000 distributed Certificates of Land Ownership Awards.
Localized peace engagement efforts have seen the operationalization of peace centers, with the inauguration of the first center in Agusan del Norte. In addition, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) facilitated the reintegration of over 10,000 former rebels and 579 former violent extremists, supported by substantial financial assistance.
Lastly, reports stressed that the Barangay Development Program (BDP) has made progress, with over 5,000 barangays cleared of CTG influence, backed with over Php 30.5 billion allocated budget for 4,051 barangays meant for peace and development projects since 2021. | Kian Kirby F. Florano