Marcos slammed over refusal to abolish NTF-ELCAC

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’ statement came just after the Gabriela women’s party filed a formal complaint with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against the NTF-ELCAC for its relentless red-tagging activities, which violate election laws prohibiting partisan political activities by government agencies.

Brosas also revealed that during her campaign sortie in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, one of her supporters retrieved black propaganda materials labeling her as a terrorist and urging voters not to support her candidacy.

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.

Among these are 119 cases of extrajudicial killings and 76 frustrated extrajudicial killings.

They also blamed the task force for 14 enforced disappearances and incarceration of 762 political prisoners.

Meanwhile, National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya confirmed that President Marcos has ordered the continuation of the NTF-ELCAC. — Delon Porcalla, Emmanuel Tupas