Lapu-Lapu City
March 31, 2022

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reaffirmed his Administration’s stance in putting an end to the five-decades long insurgency problem in the country as he met with the officials and members of the National Task Force and Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-RTF-ELCAC) in a Joint Meeting in Lapu-Lapu City.

In his speech, President Duterte commended the NTF-RTF-ELCAC for its accomplishments and effective implementation of the government’s holistic and whole-of-nation approach in resolving communist insurgency. He expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Task Force that was created in 2018 for delivering social services in conflict-affected areas and bringing the government closer to the Filipino people.

“This initiative does not stop here. Still, the completion of our commitments to achieving peace for the country remains critical in the remaining three months of this Administration,” the President said.

He enjoined the local chief executives in Central Visayas to synergize their local efforts with the NTF-RTF-ELCAC in the fight against lawlessness and insurgency, as well as to support the government’s key projects in achieving sustainable peace and security.

“To the government’s national and local partners in this endeavor, we assure you of the Administration’s unrelenting support in your respective initiatives in securing lasting peace,” the President remarked.

Serving as one of the highlights of the Joint Meeting, the Chief Executive led the ceremonial distribution of cash grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the awarding of Barangay Development Program (BDP) scholarships to various beneficiaries from Cebu, Negros Oriental and Bohol. Likewise during the program, different government agencies presented their reports, testimonial videos, as well as additional programs and projects for the benefit of the rebel returnees.

The Chief Executive reminded everyone that the efforts to dismantle communist terrorist groups in the country is still a work in progress.

“I hope that even beyond my term as President, our efforts to end local communist armed conflict in our regions will never be in vain. The Filipino people deserve a peaceful and prosperous nation, and that is what the government should provide. Let us all work hard together for this,” President Duterte noted.

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