16-11-2023 (MANILA) A United Nations expert on climate change and human rights, Ian Fry, has called on the Philippines to disband its anti-communist task force, accusing it of operating with impunity. Fry, the U.N. Special Rapporteur, urged for an independent investigation into the operations of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), created by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018 to quell a half-century-long communist insurgency.
During his 10-day visit to the Philippines, Fry highlighted concerns about the NTF-ELCAC’s actions, specifically its alleged practice of “red-tagging.” Human rights groups have accused the task force of labeling rivals or critics as supporters or members of rebels, leading to silencing, arrests, and even killings. The government denies these allegations.
The task force, chaired by the Philippine president as per its creation order, comprises cabinet officials, military leaders, and police chiefs. Fry expressed his view that the NTF-ELCAC has surpassed its original mandate, targeting community members and indigenous peoples. He suggested that private financial interests might be influencing the task force’s actions.
“It’s moved beyond its mandate and its usefulness and needs to be disbanded outright, and the government needs to develop another approach to deal with terrorism issues, but it’s clear that this unit is operating with impunity,” Fry stated during a press briefing at the conclusion of his visit.
In response, the task force rejected Fry’s call, stating that it “takes strong exception to the call” and asserting that it functions as “a working and effective human rights mechanism.” The controversy surrounding the NTF-ELCAC adds to the ongoing debate over its role and impact on human rights in the Philippines.
