November 27, 2025

Representatives from numerous embassies and international organizations gathered at the Admiral Hotel in Manila for the Forum on Enhancing National Security and Development Synergies conducted on November 21, 2025, organized by the International Engagement Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Their strong participation underscored the strong commitment of global partners to strengthen cooperation on peace, security, and development.

The forum featured concise presentations from key national agencies:

·         National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) provided an overview of the country’s evolving security landscape and emphasized the need for vigilance and coordinated action.

·         National Security Council (NSC) highlighted the core priorities of the National Security Policy and National Security Strategy as the country’s guideposts in addressing traditional and emerging threats.

·         Anti-Terrorism Council – Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) summarized progress on the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four workstreams that advance prevention, disruption, protection, and inter-agency coordination.

·         Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) shared updates on reforms following the Philippines’ exit from the FATF Grey List and reported on ongoing work under the National Risk Assessment.

·         Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) presented the status of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP-P/CVE), particularly initiatives that empower communities and local governments.

·         National Secretariat, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NS, NTF-ELCAC) outlined the direction of the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development 2025–2028, which integrates peacebuilding and development toward lasting stability.

In their messages, Usec. Ernesto C. Torres Jr., Executive Director of the NS, NTF-ELCAC; Asec. Elmer G. Cato, IE Cluster Head; and Deputy Director General Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., representing National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo M. Año, they highlighted the vital role of multilateral cooperation in preventing terrorism and violent extremism.

“Non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, transnational crimes, money laundering, among others continue to endanger the larger regional security environment, where a common understanding on the importance of continued communication, coordination, and cooperation among relevant stakeholders play an important role in addressing these issues. Through these kinds of endeavors, I am optimistic that the Philippines will remain as reliable partner in addressing these evolving security challenges,” Asec. Elmer G. Cato said.

“Let this forum be more than an exchange of updates. Let it be a renewed call to action—to build peace better. To build peace that is rooted in inclusive governance, opportunity, dignity, and respect for human rights. Peace that is not episodic, but enduring; not fragile, but fortified by broad and diverse partnerships,” Usec. Torres said.

“As we all know, peacebuilding is built on trust, and this does not happen in the blink of an eye. Progress in this area is usually incremental. It is built through the quiet and sincere work of social workers, teachers, police officers, local officials, faith leaders, soldiers, and community volunteers. It is shaped by countless conversations, small reconciliations, and difficult decisions that rarely reach the headlines. And it is these uncelebrated efforts that ultimately shape our national destiny,” DDG Madrigal said.

The forum reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with international partners in shaping a more secure, stable, and peaceful future for all.