Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr.
Secretary

On the fifth anniversary of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirms its solid commitment to do its part to contribute to the whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and development.

As one of the key member agencies of NTF-ELCAC, our resolve to bring government services closer to the people, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, has never wavered.

We have also continued to reach out and encourage our “lost” brothers and sisters who have been misled to believe in obsolete ideologies to choose the path of peace instead of violence.

For the past few years, over six million community residents in conflict areas have already benefited from 3,460 completed projects under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP).

Such projects include farm-to-market roads, water systems, school buildings, health stations, rural electrification, COVID-19 projects, and training and livelihood assistance to indigent families and individuals.

We are inspired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos. Jr.’s gesture of peace and reconciliation with the landmark signing of Amnesty Proclamations 403, 404, 405, and 406, which grant amnesty to former members of various rebel groups for crimes committed under the Revised Penal Code.

We also thank all local government units who have been the DILG’s trusted partners in our peace-building programs.

Bagamat may mga hamon at hadlang sa kapayapaan, naniniwala ako na sa pamamagitan ng ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan, makakamit rin natin ang pinapangarap nating kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa bansa.

Sama-sama po nating tahakin ang landas ng Bagong Pilipinas para sa payapa, matatag, at maginhawang buhay para sa lahat ng Pilipino.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-STATEMENT-ON-NTF-ELCAC-ANNIVERSARY/NC-2023-1271