𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 (𝗡𝗧𝗙-𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗔𝗖)𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

April 22, 2026

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) today reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to advancing unity, peace, and sustainable development across the country during the 9th Executive Committee Meeting presided over by His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The meeting highlighted significant milestones under the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace and Development (NAP-UPD) 2025–2028, demonstrating the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of insurgency.

On our accomplishments, the Task Force reported substantial gains through the Barangay Development Program (BDP), which has delivered transformative impact in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. Since its implementation, the program has: Funded nearly 10,000 infrastructure and development projects worth ₱46.85 billion; Benefited approximately 15.85 million Filipinos across 5,638 barangays; Completed critical infrastructure such as: 1,477 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 901 classrooms, 1,121 water and sanitation systems, 509 health stations, 6,536 electrification projects and nearly 20,000 streetlights.

These initiatives have significantly improved access to basic services, enhanced local economies, and strengthened government presence in formerly underserved areas.

Complementing these efforts, the National Amnesty Program exceeded expectations, recording 13,647 applicants, reflecting growing trust in government and renewed hope for peaceful reintegration. The continued processing of applications and recommendation to extend the program underscores the administration’s commitment to reconciliation and inclusive peacebuilding.

The government also intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist financing and recruitment, securing convictions in terrorism financing cases and advancing legislative measures such as the proposed Terror Grooming Prevention Bill, which aims to protect vulnerable sectors especially the youth from radicalization.

On strengthening peace through development and governance, the Task Force emphasized that insurgency is not solely a security issue but a development challenge. Through convergence among national agencies and local government units, the NTF-ELCAC has enabled the construction of farm-to-market roads, school buildings, healthcare facilities, and electrification, and water systems which are key drivers of long-term stability.

New initiatives such as the BDP-Urban Framework and the “Balik Loob: Reintegrasyong Digital Program” further expand government reach by addressing emerging threats in urban communities and equipping former rebels with digital and livelihood skills.

While significant progress has been achieved, the Task Force recognizes that sustaining peace requires continuity, adaptation, and strengthened coordination. The evolving nature of threats including recruitment, misinformation, and international support networks demands a responsive and institutionalized approach.

The NTF-ELCAC mechanism remains vital in sustaining development gains in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities; preventing radicalization, particularly among the youth; strengthening inter-agency coordination for faster and more effective service delivery; ensuring accountability and rule of law through coordinated law enforcement and legal action; and promoting inclusive peacebuilding, reconciliation, and reintegration.

The Executive Committee endorsed key policy directions, including the proposed extension of the Amnesty Program, prioritization of critical legislation, expansion of development funding, and the enhancement of Task Force mechanisms to ensure more responsive governance at the national and local levels.

As the administration moves forward, the NTF-ELCAC calls on all stakeholders, government agencies, local government units, civil society, and the Filipino people to remain united in advancing a shared vision of a peaceful, secure, and progressive Philippines.

Through unity, we overcome division. Through development, we eliminate the roots of conflict. And through collective action, we secure lasting peace for every Filipino.

USec. Ernesto C. Torres, Jr.

Executive Director

NS, NTF-ELCAC