Manila: The newly appointed executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has pledged that no Filipino child will grow up amid armed conflict. Danilo Pamonag, the new executive director, officially took over the task force on August 12, as announced in a statement released by the task force on Thursday night.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pamonag has urged government agencies, local leaders, security forces, civil society, and communities to unite under a common purpose. He stressed that true peace extends beyond the absence of armed confrontations, emphasizing that victory should reflect in the daily lives of Filipinos, where children can attend school fearlessly, families can earn peacefully, and remote communities can access necessary government services.
"The finish line is within our sight, but the final steps require our highest level of passion, integrity, and hard work," Pamonag stated. He highlighted the importance of remaining proactive and agile in serving the people to ensure no Filipino child grows up amid armed conflict.
Pamonag's roadmap is anchored on unity, peace, and development. He set forth key priorities for the task force, including strengthening the Whole-of-Nation Approach by enhancing coordination among national agencies and local government units. He also aims to break down institutional silos to create a cohesive, results-driven bureaucracy that accelerates interagency convergence.
Furthermore, the new chief plans to sustain community presence by keeping Joint Regional Task Forces and National Clusters active in historically isolated or vulnerable areas. Securing long-term development is also a priority, with a focus on making infrastructure like roads and schools, as well as health services and economic opportunities, permanent to prevent the resurgence of violence.
In addition, Pamonag paid tribute to his predecessor, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., for his strategic role in weakening the armed insurgency and steering the campaign towards good governance. As the insurgency continues to wane, Pamonag called on the NTF-ELCAC secretariat, regional task forces, and partner agencies to execute the final stretch with professionalism and integrity, aiming to empower a generation of Filipino children who will not endure an insurgency.
