THE COUNTRY’S anti-communist task force on Wednesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. does not plan on abolishing the body as he still sees the need to stop “terrorist activities” of communist groups.

This comes after Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene G. Brosas called on the President to abolish the task force citing cases of red-tagging and harassment.

“I am sorry to relay the bad news to them that the President made it clear today that he will never abolish the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict),” Jonathan E. Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council and the chairman of the task force told a news briefing.

He said the President ordered the Department of Budget and Management to allocate an additional P5 million for the task force’s village development project which would provide livelihood programs, education and healthcare services affected by communist conflict.

“We thank the President for his 100% support to the NTF-ELCAC and we commit to his directive to continue our efforts to finally end communist armed conflict in this country within his term,” Mr. Malaya said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez