BAGUIO CITY– The Cordillera Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) continues to perform its functions in a bid to further strengthen the government’s efforts to combat the communist insurgency and other armed conflicts in the region.
During the National TF leveling meeting with the Cordillera Regional and Local TFs -ELCAC on January 27, 2021, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Cordillera and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar underscored that synchronized efforts at various levels of intervention and project implementation will sustain the gains of government efforts in ending the local communist armed conflict.
He said that the government recognizes the ability of each one of us and our agencies to share our resources, experiences, and perspectives in addressing the concerns and problems affecting local communities in the Cordillera and the nation as a whole, which are interrelated.
“These include the communist armed conflict, the coronavirus pandemic, environmental degradation, climate change, hunger, poverty, among others”. Sec. Dar added.
He also said that the national government recognizes the promotion of peace and development in the communities is an ongoing process to help them evolve and strengthen their processes in order to be accountable, responsive and transparent to their constituents.
National TF Vice Chairperson Hermogenes Esperon also noted that the government’s Lines of Efforts (LoEs), together with its partners will continue to move forward.
“We have task forces that are active from the national down to the barangay level. Today, because of our organization we are able to deliver what was asked of us,” he said.
Esperon also said that with the continuing support, solidarity, and teamwork, the government will defeat the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) not just in the Cordillera but in the entire country.
“Let us continue with our teamwork. Knowing the enemy is not enough, we must continue to work hard and join together,” Esperon added. (RIU-DILG CAR) with report from Trisha Dogup
