Manila: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday refuted allegations that the proposed PHP8.08-billion allocation aimed at combating communist insurgency is being mischaracterized as a discretionary ‘NTF-ELCAC fund.’
According to Philippines News Agency, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., emphasized in a statement that such claims are “inaccurate” and “misleading.” He clarified that the cited amount is allocated for the Barangay Development Program (BDP), a comprehensive development initiative executed by regular government line agencies, rather than the task force itself.
Torres explained, ‘The PHP8.08 billion is not an NTF-ELCAC fund in the way it is being portrayed. It is not a discretionary pool, not a patronage fund, and not an ‘ayuda’ dispensed in exchange for compliance or silence.’ He acknowledged the scrutiny from Caritas Philippines and the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace, but stressed the importance of accurate and contextual statements regarding the funds’ nature and purpose.
He further detailed that the BDP is carried out by various agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and the Department of Education. Torres highlighted that NTF-ELCAC’s role is primarily to coordinate and integrate efforts, rather than operationally manage or disburse funds.
Torres cautioned against misunderstanding the program’s structure, stating, ‘To conflate BDP allocations with an ‘NTF-ELCAC budget’ is to misunderstand both the structure of government and the nature of the program.’ He noted that many communities have long lacked essential infrastructure and services, which previously allowed insurgent groups to gain influence.
Emphasizing the community-driven approach of BDP projects, Torres outlined that barangays identify their needs, with local development councils endorsing and local government units validating and implementing these projects.
