NTF-ELCAC is a useless agency

The penchant of the military, particularly the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), to “red-tag” individuals and organizations regresses our culture. They are teaching the people not to think, not to be analytical, and instead just to follow (or else…). If there is something not to one’s liking, just be quiet and leave the future to fate. In Filipino, “bahala na.” This is the culture that was wrought upon us during the Spanish colonial era — do not speak, do not act, just wait for good fortune.

Because the colonialists then held economic and political (and thus military) powers, all those who spoke up against their rule were meted out harsh punishment and/or death. Those who dared to fight the colonial power, the leaders and the masses, paved the way for the development of nationhood. Those who resisted then are our heroes now.

The people’s issues are real and righteous—decent wages, affordable housing, land and support for farmers, education, health and public services for all, women’s rights, indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination, etc.

The NTF-Elcac is a useless and wasteful agency. Red-tagging will not solve the people’s issues.

JULIE L. PO
Linangan ng Kulturang Pilipino
[email protected]