President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed the government to continue its efforts to persuade communist insurgents to surrender, according to recent reports. Marcos believes that rebels returning to the legal system will contribute to rural development.
During an executive committee meeting of the 2nd National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) held at Malacañang, the President emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities and livelihoods for the people. He stated that these goals can be achieved through the government’s ongoing agrarian reform program and other poverty alleviation initiatives.
Marcos urged the committee not to become complacent, stating, “let us not sit on our laurels.” He reminded them that prioritizing rebel returnees who voluntarily surrender and choose to rejoin society is a necessary step in this process. According to Marcos, this effort aligns with existing laws and requires continual support.
The President also presided over the swearing-in ceremony for the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) at Malacañang on the same day. The establishment of CORDS, under Executive Order (EO) No. 70, aims to enforce a whole-of-nation approach in defeating local communist terrorist groups and achieving sustainable and inclusive peace throughout the Philippines.
At the local level, the Regional Task Force (RTF)-ELCAC acts as a convergence of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOCs). The RTF-ELCAC is co-chaired by the RDC and RPOC chairs, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) serving as its Secretariat.
The CORDS, on the other hand, has been designated to lead the Joint RTFs and oversee peace and development efforts in each region. They are also responsible for voicing the region’s concerns and perceptions to the rest of the Cabinet and other agencies.
In June 2023, the Executive Secretary, authorized by the President, appointed key members of the Cabinet as CORDS to carry out these responsibilities.
