By CESAR JOLITO III

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has welcomed and praised the statement of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson affirming the legitimacy of the April 19 encounter between government forces and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members in Toboso town, describing it as a strong backing for law enforcement operations in the province.

In a statement, the task force said Lacson’s position reinforces public trust in the Philippine Army and highlights what it described as growing community cooperation in efforts to address insurgency in Negros Occidental.

NTF-ELCAC added that the governor’s acknowledgment that local information played a role in the operation reflects increasing rejection of armed rebel groups by residents, particularly in areas previously affected by decades of insurgency.

The agency also reiterated that several local government units in Negros Occidental, including Murcia, Hinigaran, Cauayan, Escalante City, Calatrava, and Toboso as well as Bacolod City, have already declared the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front persona non grata.

It further cited long-standing security concerns in northern Negros, including alleged cases of “spy-tagging” killings, which it said have contributed to fear among civilians and strengthened community support for government action against armed groups.

NTF-ELCAC said Lacson’s statement sends a clear message of alignment among local leaders, communities, and security forces in pushing for peace and development in the province.

The task force also renewed its call for remaining insurgents to surrender peacefully and reintegrate into society, emphasizing what it described as the province’s continuing shift toward stability and progress./CJ, WDJ