CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – The Las Navas Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), on May 29, 2024, convened to discuss peace efforts in line with Executive Order No. 70, known as the Whole-of-Nation Approach.
The meeting, held in Las Navas, Northern Samar, involved the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other peace partner agencies.
The meeting aimed to enhance plans and strategies to eradicate the remaining New People’s Army and intensify various government interventions to address the root causes of insurgency.
During the meeting, Mayor Arlito Tan, Chair of the Las Navas MTF-ELCAC, reaffirmed his commitment to support government campaigns and programs to end the decades-long insurgency. He urged local government officials, especially at the barangay level, to actively persuade remaining NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines are sacrificing for our peace and progress. We can help by advising the remaining NPA members in our barangays to return to the folds of the law so that Las Navas can be peaceful,” Mayor Tan emphasized.
Brigadier General Efren Morados, Commander of the 803rd Brigade, highlighted the crucial role of local government officials in ending local communist armed conflict.
“We encourage our barangay officials to help us explain the programs of the Philippine Army to your constituents. Your assistance is vital in ending the recruitment and other violent activities of the communist terrorist group,” Brig. Gen. Morados stated.
Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines would ensure the safety of those who surrender.
“Rest assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will ensure their safety and help them receive the necessary assistance from the government as they start their life anew,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo said.
