FORMER DSWD USEC. DANILO PAMONAG TAKES OATH AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT OF THE NTF-ELCAC

September 10, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Danilo G. Pamonag officially took his oath as Executive Director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) National Secretariat in a ceremony presided over by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

The swearing-in marks a strategic milestone in the government's "Whole-of-Nation" approach to achieving unity, peace, and development across former conflict-affected areas nationwide.

Usec. Pamonag brings decades of distinguished service in operational leadership and civilian governance. Following his retirement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of Lieutenant General, Usec. Pamonag transitioned to civilian public service as an Undersecretary at the DSWD during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was instrumental in orchestrating the seamless execution and distribution of government relief to millions of vulnerable Filipino families nationwide. Usec. Pamonag also serves as Co-Chairman of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), which is mandated to lead, plan, and oversee the transformation of designated Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps into peaceful, self-sustaining, and productive civilian communities.

Renowned as a tactical commander, Usec. Pamonag played a decisive role as a key commander during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege and served as the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force “Trident” during the 2017 Marawi Siege, leading front-line forces to liberate the city from Daesh-inspired terrorist elements.

In recognition of his strategic leadership, and combat bravery, Usec. Pamonag earned international distinction as the first Asian recipient of the prestigious United States Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) Medal following the successful rescue of hostages during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege.

Usec. Pamonag brings a combination of security expertise and deep compassion for social welfare to lead the NTF-ELCAC in its final stretch toward sustainable development and lasting peace.

As Executive Director, Pamonag will lead the implementation of the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development (NAP-UPD) 2025–2028. His priority agenda centers on transitioning cleared communities into thriving economic hubs through the Barangay Development Program (BDP), empowering local government units, and strengthening civil society engagement.

The NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat, partner national agencies, and local government units welcome Undersecretary Pamonag's leadership as the task force advances its governance and development-led initiatives to BUILD PEACE BETTER.