In a statement last May 4, the Communist Party of the Philippines called on all democratic forces to unite and demand the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Insurgency. Since its establishment, the NTF-ELCAC since have been the regime’s command center for its attacks against progressive groups and individuals engaged in social action.

“It is a cesspool of corruption,” the CPP stated. Under Duterte’s 2021 budget, P19.6 billion worth of funds is allocated to the military’s pork barrel. More than P10 billion disbursed for the NTF-ELCAC to splurge on red-tagging and anti-people activities.

Its so-called “Barangay Development Program” have long been exposed as source of corruption as about 1/4 of its funds has been allotted to Duterte’s hometown, Davao City. Funds are distributed to various barangays to fund unprogrammed projects without proposals and feasibility studies.

The NTF-ELCAC has blood on its hands, the CPP added. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police have carried out series of killings and mass arrests against democratic organizations. Bloody campaigns of coordinated killings have been conducted in Negros, Panay, Bicol and Southern Tagalog. CPP leaders and NDFP consultants, even retired, are abducted, tortured and murdered in its “take no prisoners” policy.

The CPP said that the counterinsurgency agency is not only engaged in red-tagging, corruption and bloody suppression, it has usurped the authority of the entire government. Local government units are dismayed by how the NTF and its local counterparts interfere on their administrative functions and how priorities are distorted according to the objectives of the military.

Meanwhile, in a statement last May 3, the NDF in Eastern Visayas enjoined Samar mayors and other local government officials to unite with the people in condemning and calling to defund the NTF-ELCAC. The NDF-EV called on local officials to heed the people’s urgent demands and stand up against the military’s threats and intimidation. The group also lambasted Matuginao mayor Aran Boller and Silvino Lobos mayor Leo Jarito for allowing the military to use thier offices to further harass and abuse the people in exchange of at least P240 million of public funds.

The Party stated that the NTF-ELCAC is the antithesis of the democratic tenet of civilian authority over the military. Under Duterte’s term the military has been extended extraordinary bureaucratic privileges and political power to determine policy and programs.