Rappler
Año urges senators not to defund NTF-ELCAC, vows transparency in barangay program
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año urged lawmakers not to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), emphasizing that its budget is crucial for developing remote barangays.
Año stated that the P19.1 billion allocated for the Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP) aims to improve living conditions in villages cleared of communist influence since 2019.
He warned that abandoning these communities now, after freeing them from communist terrorist influence, would render the government's efforts futile.
The Interior Secretary appealed to Senators not to withdraw support from these barangays, especially when they need assistance the most.
Several legislators had previously sought to defund the NTF-ELCAC due to accusations of 'red tagging' community pantry organizers, with its spokesperson Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. likening their work to that of Satan.
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Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez described calls to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) as a 'knee-jerk reaction'.
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Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang urged Congress not to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), stating that doing so would harm barangays successfully cleared of communist influence.
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Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez stated that defunding the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) would mean forfeiting the government's progress in combating insurgency.
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Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy urged legislators not to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), warning that doing so would disrupt development projects.
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House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate warned the public to expect an increase in lies and red-tagging activities following the NTF-ELCAC's decision to appoint additional spokespersons.
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