Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go has called on the government to further strengthen the functions and programs of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict amid its push for peace negotiation with members of the Communist Party of the Party-New People's Army-National Democratic Front in Oslo.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense, emphasized the need for the government to improve its programs and services offered to former rebels who decided to "rejoin mainstream society and to live with their families in peace."
The senator lamented that the government's neglect of Filipinos in the far-flung communities has become the primary reason why some people are urged to join the armed revolution.
"Kadalasang rason bakit merong namumundok na mga kapatid nating Pilipino ay dahil sa sobrang kahirapan, at ang paniniwala nila na pinapababayaan na sila ng gobyerno, lalo na yung mga kababayan nating nasa liblib na mga lugar," he said.
Go noted the need to resolve the poverty issues in the country, which he believes NTF-ELCAC has a great contribution to, citing the significance of the task force's Balik-Loob Program—which aims to reintegrate former rebels into mainstream society by offering them various forms of assistance and legal protections.
"Government programs and services must be felt in the grassroots and every community so that no one will be left behind towards development. Through these initiatives, the government can show its sincerity in uplifting lives and promoting peace," Go underscored.
The Balik-Loob Program, officially known as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), was a key initiative of the Philippine government to urge rebels to return to the folds of the law.
"This lending program is one of the benefits of E-CLIP, aimed at helping former rebels establish or expand businesses, thereby facilitating their successful reintegration into civilian life," he said.
The program is being managed by the Task Force Balik-Loob, he added.
Meanwhile, Go commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its active role "in positively transforming the lives of former rebels" through the E-CLIP.
Created by Administrative Order No. 10 in 2018, during the time of Duterte, the TFBL serves as the central coordinating body for the government's reintegration efforts for members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, including their immediate families.
Go said the Balik-Loob Lending Program—a "standout feature" of ECLIP provides for loan facility through the LandBank—is mainly aimed at helping former rebels establish or expand businesses, thereby facilitating their successful reintegration into civilian life.
"In order to achieve peace, all parties should show sincerity in efforts to uplift the lives of all Filipinos without having to take up arms," he added.
With the government's announcement of exploratory talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF, Go said they should not forget the continuity of advocating various reforms and programs initiated by the previous administration for the former rebels.
"Marami nang mga magagandang programang nasimulan noong panahon ni dating pangulong Duterte through our whole-of-nation approach para maresolba ang insurgency problem sa bansa. Huwag sana nating sayangin ang mga magagandang nasimulan na ito. Mas palakasin pa dapat," Go emphasized.
