Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
November 18, 2021

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addressed the officials of the National Task Force and Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-RTF ELCAC) in Region IV-B during their joint meeting in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

In his keynote speech, the President urged all local executives in the Region to synergize their efforts with the NTF and RTF ELCAC in fighting insurgency. “… You play a crucial role not only in addressing insurgency, but also fighting crimes and illegal drugs in your respective localities. Your cooperation will likewise advance the government’s larger goal of securing and safeguarding the nation,” he said.

Anchored on good governance, patriotism and values enhancement, the joint meeting served as an opportunity for members in the Region, also known as the MIMAROPA (Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), to talk about ways to further enhance the government’s collective efforts in addressing current challenges regarding local insurgency and terrorism, as well as illegal drugs, criminality and corruption that continue to affect peace and security, not just in MIMAROPA, but in the whole country.

Since its creation on 4 December 2018, the NTF-ELCAC has been in the forefront of raising awareness and implementing the whole-of-nation approach to put an end on the insurgency problem created by communist terrorists for more than five (5) decades.

During the event, President Duterte also led the ceremonial switch-on of the National Power Corporation’s (NAPOCOR) Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro Interconnection Transmission Lines — a joint effort of the Department of Energy (DOE), NAPOCOR, Mindoro electric cooperatives and other energy agencies to secure reliable power supply in the entire Island of Mindoro.

“May you work together to ensure a reliable and efficient power source for the continued growth of the local economy and improved quality of life to the Filipino Mindoreños,” President Duterte continued, adding that addressing these key issues will make a significant impact to people contributing to nation-building instead of moving towards extremism.

“As President, I assure you that the government will provide the unrelenting support to your respective initiatives in securing lasting peace in the country. Join me in this fight so that we can build a stronger and safer future to the next generation,” he ended.

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