November 9, 2020

Senator Vicente C. Sotto III

Senate President
Senate of the Philippines

LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE NATIONAL TASK FORCE TO END LOCAL

COMMUNIST ARMED CONFLICT (NTF ELCAC)

This is to express our support to the National Task Force to End Local
Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) in implementing an efficient mechanism and
structure for the whole-of-nation approach to realize the aspiration of the Filipino people
to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.

Medina, a fourth class municipality in Misamis Oriental, had itself experienced

insurgency problems in the past. We believe that the root cause of armed conflict boils
down to poverty and economic deprivation. With this being said, we give our full
support to the government in its massive campaign to spur the development of the rural
countryside so that barangays that have been impoverished by the ominous presence of
the Communist Terrorist Group may attain the sustainable growth and peace.

It is also noteworthy that the presence of the Communist Terrorist Group, with its
menacing armed interference has to a great extent hampered government efforts in
providing humanitarian support and assistance to the people. Various cases have also
been documented where the Communist Terrorist Group had become an impediment to
the government’s humanitarian operations. It can be recalled that there had been armed
attacks against civilian and military personnel who gave assistance in the delivery of
relief items to disaster-stricken communities, as shown in the news headlines.

Undeniably, the Communist Terrorist Group in its violations against international

humanitarian law is a menace to the society. Therefore, we strongly support
the mission of the NTF-ELCAC in achieving societal inclusivity and sustainable peace.
We support all the peace efforts and initiatives of national government agencies and
various sectors of the society, which include local peace engagements or negotiations and
interventions that are responsive to local needs.

Sincerely yours,

Hon. Donato M. Chan

Municipal Mayor
Medina, Misamis Oriental