Año thanks PBBM for creating Peace and Development Offices in all government offices

Año thanks PBBM for creating Peace and Development Offices in all government offices

NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo M. Ano, Vice-Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for approving the activation of Project Management Office (PMO) or Peace and Development Offices in all department, bureaus, offices, agencies, or instrumentalities of the government, that will institutionalize the implementation of NTF-ELCAC programs and projects nationwide.

“In support to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, s. 2018 in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, the President’s approval in activating Peace and Development Offices will bolster the whole-of-nation approach to peace and development to ensure that government projects are immediately implemented in barangays cleared of NPA influence,” said Año.

The National Security Adviser said that this a significant move since the task force has already attained strategic victory over the CPP-NPA-NDF with the decimation of most NPA units nationwide.

“I have directed NTF ELCAC Executive Director USec Ernesto “Jun” Torres, Jr to immediately coordinate with all line agencies for the implementation of the President’s directive,” he said.

He explained that as part of National Government Agency interventions related to the implementation of EO70, these PMOs — institutionalized as partners/counterpart of NTF-ELCAC in all government offices — will ensure that government will bring development in geographically isolated and underdeveloped areas long exploited by the Communist Terrorist Groups.

“The activation of PMOs bolsters the determination of the task force to ensure that social services and other government programs and projects reach these communities and bring about positive development and provide solutions to the problems of Filipinos across the country — particularly those who are living in underprivileged communities battered by armed conflicts,” he added.

He said that the President’s move strengthens and expands the mechanisms of NTF-ELCAC to deliver programs and projects to Geographically Isolated and Conflict-Affected Areas (GICAS).

“This approval demonstrates confidence and trust by the President of the integrity, commitment, and dedication of the task force to good governance and public service,” he added.

Since its inception in 2018 through EO70, 75 percent of all NPA guerrilla fronts have been dismantled.

Only 22 out of the original 89 fronts are still existing.

Of the 22 left, 21 are weakened and the remaining GF are the subject of focused military operations and development efforts by NTF-ELCAC agencies.

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