CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Decisive and coordinated actions of the Central Luzon Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) in the implementation of programs and projects achieved significant results.
These include the dismantling of guerilla fronts, surrender of mass organizations, protection of the youth and marginalized sectors against the threat of the Communist Terrorist Group, socio-economic gains achieved due to improved security conditions in communities, and active leadership role shown by local government units in harmonizing and advancing ELCAC work.
“The milestones achieved – which we consider our contribution to the national government’s overall efforts towards ending local communist armed conflict – is not merely the success of the RTF. Rather, this is a success of all our partner-institutions which have played key roles in our intensive peace and security campaign,” Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security 3 Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said during the Ways Forward Summing Up Activity Phase 2 which was held virtually.
“While the RTF has faced a lot of challenges as we implement our crucial mandate, I believe that we have managed to rise above these difficulties because of our steadfast resolve and commitment to our mission,” he emphasized.
With only two months left before the Duterte administration ends, Galvez said it is critical that RTF member-agencies remain purposive and determined as ever to finally put an end to the decades-long communist insurgency in the country.
“Moving forward, let us sustain our localized peace engagements and peacebuilding work, as we implement a comprehensive transformation program that will cut across all levels of society,” he furthered.
He urged member-agencies to focus on harmonizing interventions with local peace stakeholders to provide a holistic and convergent delivery of initiatives to address the needs of former rebels, their families and communities.
“We shall also continue bridging the gaps in all our initiatives so that they will have a greater impact among the people we serve,” Galvez said.
With the expanded mandate of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity through Executive Order No. 158, Galvez said his agency shall consolidate, integrate and harmonize all local efforts on peace, reconciliation and unity to finally put an end to the cycle of armed conflict.
Also, to promote community resilience, bring about good governance, and transform the lives of former rebels and their families into peaceful and productive citizens.