Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday chaired a significant security and development meeting, where the government reviewed progress and strategies to address insurgency through a whole-of-nation approach.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the 9th Executive Committee meeting of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) held in Malaca±ang, Marcos also administered the oath of newly designated Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security and task force officials. The meeting focused on assessing the evolving tactics of communist groups and the status of major government programs, including the Barangay Development Program (BDP) and reintegration initiatives.

The task force reported that the BDP has funded nearly 10,000 projects worth PHP46.85 billion, benefiting approximately 15.85 million Filipinos across over 5,600 barangays. Completed projects include farm-to-market roads, classrooms, water systems, health stations, and electrification projects designed to improve access to basic services in conflict-affected areas.

Additionally, the task force highlighted that the National Amnesty Program has attracted 13,647 applicants, indicating increased participation in government reintegration efforts. During the meeting, NTF-ELCAC officials stressed the importance of sustaining development gains while addressing emerging threats such as recruitment, misinformation, and external support networks.

Key policy directions endorsed during the meeting include the potential extension of the amnesty program, expansion of development funding, and enhanced inter-agency coordination to effectively combat insurgency and promote regional security and development.