MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos’ declaration that he will “never abolish” the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) proved that his administration continues the same repressive policies of his predecessor former president Rodrigo Duterte, according to House assistant minority leader and Gabriela women’s party Rep. Arlene Brosas.
“Marcos is no different from Duterte. His refusal to disband the NTF-ELCAC despite its documented human rights violations and partisan political activities shows that this administration remains committed to the same tactics that terrorize activists, progressive organizations, and ordinary citizens,” Brosas said.
Marcos’ comment followed shortly after when Gabriela, a women’s party, submitted an official grievance to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against the NTF-ELCAC due to their persistent red-tagging operations. These actions breach electoral regulations that forbid government entities from engaging in partisan political acts during elections.
During her campaign trip in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Brosas shared that one of her backers found some black propaganda material which branded her as a terrorist and encouraged people not to back her bid for office.
She pointed out that billions of pesos are being allocated to the NTF-ELCAC’s operations, including the P10 million per barangay under its Barangay Development Program, while essential social services remain severely underfunded.
For its part, rights group Karapatan vowed to block efforts by the government to further fund the NTF-ELCAC.
Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay has criticized Marcos for ignoring the crimes committed by the NTF-ELCAC.
Of these, there are 119 instances of extrajudicial killings and 76 attempted extrajudicial killings.
They likewise accused the task force of being responsible for 14 forced disappearances and the imprisonment of 762 political detainees.
In the meantime, Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya from the National Security Council verified that President Marcos has instructed for the continuance of the NTF-ELCAC.
— Delon Porcalla, Emmanuel Tupas