Amid calls for the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), President Marcos, Jr. defended the agency, citing its significant role in addressing internal security threats.
“So, let me ask you guys, why do you always ask me that? There’s no reason for us to remove that. They’re saying, because there’s supposedly red-tagging going on.,” the President said in a chance interview.
“And the quickest answer to that, no, we’re not going to abolish the NTF-ELCAC,” Mr. Marcos added.
President Marcos emphasized that the government is not behind the red-tagging accusations.
“The government wasn’t the one doing it. It was all sorts of other people doing it.,” he clarified.
Moreover, the President pointed out that former rebels are now being assisted rather than fought against, thanks to NTF-ELCAC’s efforts, which have greatly reduced internal security threats.
“We will finish it because there are still a few barangays that have not been completed. There are still some returnees who have not received assistance,” he stated.
He stressed the need to fulfill existing commitments before considering the abolition of NTF-ELCAC.
“For now, it’s still needed. That’s what we promised that if you surrender and stop fighting against the government, we will help you with your livelihood.,” the chief executive assured.
