Manila: As the nation celebrates National Women's Month 2026, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday said women empowerment needs 'a society free from violence and fear.'
According to Philippines News Agency, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. reaffirmed the agency's commitment to protect women, amplify survivors, and reject all forms of coercion and violence. Torres emphasized the importance of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to empower women, particularly in conflict-affected areas, ensuring their participation in governance, peacebuilding, and development.
Torres highlighted the need for a society devoid of violence and fear for true empowerment. He recalled victims of communist-terrorist violence, including 74-year-old Leonora Anguit, who was brutally killed after false accusations. He also mentioned survivors such as Ruffa L. Correa and Realyn Lombog, who faced abuse within the armed movement, stressing that these incidents are not isolated but part of a pattern of disregard for women's dignity and rights.
Torres urged all Filipinos to emulate the Babaylan, the fearless healers, leaders, and guardians of pre-colonial communities, to protect women and build a peaceful nation. He stated that the spirit of the Babaylan lives on in millions of Filipino women who lead families, communities, and the nation toward progress and peace. Embracing the courage and wisdom of the Babaylan is essential to creating a Philippines where every woman can lead in safety, justice, and peace.
