CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) has emphasized the need to empower local government units (LGUs) in addressing insurgency at the community level as Central Luzon shifts from military operations to development-based initiatives.
During the fifth episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency for 2025, Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) cluster lead and NICA Regional Director Ulysses Untalan stressed that LGUs must take a proactive role in sustaining peace efforts.
“LGUs should be empowered to address insurgency problems at the local level. Now that we are transitioning from military operations to development-based initiatives, it is crucial that local leaders remain proactive in sustaining peace efforts,” Untalan said.
While armed insurgency has significantly weakened in Central Luzon, communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) continue to exploit social and economic grievances such as poverty, unemployment, and tuition hikes to radicalize individuals.
To prevent the resurgence of insurgency, the whole-of-nation approach calls for stronger collaboration among national government agencies (NGAs), LGUs, the private sector, and communities.
Recognizing the role of LGUs as frontliners in peacebuilding, the RTF-ELCAC SAKM cluster has expanded its partnerships to ensure that basic services, livelihood programs, and educational opportunities reach vulnerable communities.
One of its key initiatives is the Serbisyo Caravan, a joint effort with LGUs and NGAs such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health.
This program brings livelihood assistance, medical services, and scholarships directly to areas previously affected by insurgency, addressing socio-economic conditions that CTGs often exploit for recruitment.
Aside from delivering services, LGUs are also being tapped to strengthen community-based information campaigns.
Through partnerships with barangay councils and academic institutions, the RTF-ELCAC has been conducting forums and dialogues to educate residents, particularly students and workers, about CTG recruitment tactics.
Untalan also highlighted that security sector coordination remains vital in ensuring lasting peace.
NICA continues to work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, equipping them with intelligence and strategies to prevent insurgency resurgence.
In addition, programs such as the “Knowing the Enemy” seminar series have been launched to educate law enforcement and local officials on how CTGs operate, allowing them to detect and counter underground movements more effectively.
An encouraging development, according to NICA, is the growing participation of communities in reporting suspicious activities.
“We have seen a rise in reports from communities regarding suspected CTG activities. This shows that our awareness campaigns are working, and people are no longer easily deceived by their propaganda,” Untalan said.
Moving forward, the RTF-ELCAC remains committed to strengthening collaborations with all sectors to ensure that the peace and security gains in Central Luzon are sustained.
The National Task Force ELCAC is a task force of the Philippine government established in 2018.
Its primary objective is to address the root causes of communist insurgency in the country and achieve lasting peace through a whole-of-government approach. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
