Duterte hopes successor will retain anti-insurgency task force NTF-ELCAC

President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday that he wants the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to remain under the next administration, saying it is an effective way in fighting insurgency.

Duterte was referring to the anti-insurgency task force which releases barangay development funds for areas it deems free from communists and other insurgent groups.

"I hope the next administration will continue NTF-ELCAC. Sabi ko sa mga komunista, lumabas na kayo. Kung may panahon pa, kasali kayo sa land reform. Mag-surrender na kayo kasi iyang ELCAC, tutulungan kayong mga rebelde," Duterte said in a recorded speech aired Tuesday.

(I told the communists to come out and if there is time, you will be included in land reform [and be granted land]. Surrender to ELCAC and you will get help.)

"Ito ay may sariling bahay at sariling lupa. Huwag kayong sumali diyan sa mga rebelde na kasabwat ang mga miyembro ng political parties sa kabila," he added.

(You will have house and lot, so don't join the rebel forces who are in cahoots with the members of the political parties from the other side.)

Duterte then repeated his previous claim that a presidential candidate is working with communist rebels. He however did not name the candidate.

"At this time, I'm not ready to mention the names, but mayroon tayong partido headed by someone running for the presidency and yet they are also playing into the hands of communist mismo," Duterte said.

(We have a political party headed by someone running for the presidency and yet they are also playing into the hands of the communists.)

Former NTF-ELCAC spokesperson and retired military officer Antonio Parlade Jr. has linked administration critics, celebrities, community pantry organizers, and schools to the communist movement—a practice referred to as red-tagging. 

Parlade left the NTF-ELCAC ahead of his retirement last July 2021. He was later appointed by Duterte as deputy director-general of the National Security Council. 

Vice President and presidential candidate Leni Robredo earlier said that the NTF-ELCAC is mandated to win the hearts of the community and as such, should be isolated from politics, especially red-tagging.

"The Task Force's aim is to provide social development programs, and it should not be used for red-tagging which could harm the people," she added. —KG, GMA News