BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año called on government agencies and other partners to sustain the peace gains of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
Año underscored the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders to effectively address the root causes of insurgency and attain inclusive and sustainable peace and development.
“By renewing our confidence and knowing that we are indeed moving in the right direction, we are very much capable of achieving unity, peace and development in the near future. Together, we can continue to give rise to communities where all our fellowmen can thrive with dignity and security,” Año stated during the closing ceremony of the 4-day presentation of the 3rd Quarter CY 2024 Joint Regional Task Forces’ (JRTFs) and National Clusters’ Accomplishment Reports on Oct. 14, 2024
As he commended the accomplishments of the JRTFs and national clusters, Año directed the national government agencies to issue memorandum directing regional offices to support the JRTFs, submit regular accomplishment reports, program JRTF funds, and facilitate data sharing agreements.
He also underlined the need to strengthen community consultations and peace dialogues, empower local government units, sustain legal and intelligence operations, and expand information and awareness campaigns.
“It is through these gains that we are slowly realizing our promises that communities will remain engaged, supported, and empowered in this continuing quest. This gathering, however, must also allow us to reassess our steps and reaffirm our commitment despite the fact that the endgame is already upon us,” Año said.
He added that when the task force is relentless in doing these steps, the possibilities of what they can accomplish are also limitless.
The four-day online presentation served as an avenue for reporting and feedback on the status of implementation of Executive Order No. 70, or the Whole-of- Nation approach as a government policy for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace.
The Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security, and heads of the 17 JRTFs and 12 ELCAC clusters also delivered their messages. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)
