Photo credit: PCO

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. isn’t budging—NTF-ELCAC is staying put. That’s the clear message from National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, who made it known on Wednesday that the President has no plans to abolish the task force, despite calls from groups like Gabriela Party-list.

“I am sorry to relay the bad news to them—but the President made it clear today that he will never abolish the NTF-ELCAC,” Malaya stated in a Palace press briefing.

Marcos Backs NTF-ELCAC’s Progress

According to Malaya, Marcos expressed satisfaction with the task force’s success in reducing communist insurgency during the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the NTF-ELCAC in Malacañang.
“I’m encouraged by the reports, our efforts are bearing fruit, we have to continue. It has been successful, and we need to continue to invest in its success,” Malaya quoted the President as saying.

The task force, established in 2018, was created to address the country’s decades-old insurgency problem. And based on recent reports, it’s delivering results.

Insurgency at Its Weakest Point in 50 Years?

Malaya noted that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is at its “lowest point” in over 50 years. He cited the deaths of key leaders like Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, the neutralization of the Tiamzon couple, and the recent passing of Myrna Sularte as major blows to the movement.

From facing 89 active guerrilla fronts when NTF-ELCAC was launched, the task force is now down to dealing with just one “weakened” group in Camarines Sur, according to Malaya.

Elections Without ‘Revolutionary Taxes’?

With the insurgency’s influence waning, Malaya believes upcoming elections will be more secure. He emphasized that the CPP-NPA-NDF will no longer be able to impose their infamous “revolutionary taxes” or permit-to-win tactics, which had previously disrupted electoral processes.

“For this coming May elections, the CPP-NPA-NDF will no longer be a significant threat to the peaceful conduct of elections,” Malaya assured.

What’s Next for NTF-ELCAC?

Marcos isn’t just keeping the task force running—he wants to build on its momentum. Malaya highlighted that military and police operations, the Barangay Development Program, and localized peace engagements will continue as part of the government’s strategy to eradicate insurgency for good.

For those hoping for NTF-ELCAC’s abolition, the President’s stance is clear: it’s not happening. Instead, Marcos is doubling down on efforts to ensure that the insurgency problem becomes a thing of the past.