17/09/2025
In December 2018, the Philippine government established the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), adopting a Whole-of-Nation Approach to tackle communist insurgency. Davao Oriental embraced this initiative under the leadership of Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, with Mr. Ednar Dayanghirang serving as its then focal person, giving rise to the Provincial Task Force ELCAC (PTF-ELCAC).
The Governor's flagship program, Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan (NLD-BOC), collaborates with local and national agencies to deliver essential services and peace-building programs at the barangay level. Complementing this, PTF-ELCAC focuses on sitios with active communist presence, offering vital services like medical aid and peace dialogues.
These concerted efforts significantly contributed to Davao Oriental achieving insurgency-free status, officially declared in October 2022. To sustain this progress, Governor Dayanghirang ensured PTF-ELCAC initiatives remain robust.
On September 15, 2025, PTF-ELCAC conducted a service delivery in Sitio Caliongan, Barangay Pichon, led by newly appointed Focal Person LTC Rafael R. Palaca (Ret) PA, alongside agencies like the Davao Oriental Capitol Clinic, PNP, AFP, Provincial Reformatory and Rehabilitation Center, Caraga LGU, Caraga RHU and Davao Oriental Former Rebels Association - Caraga Chapter. Despite challenging terrain and minor setbacks, the team were able to serve 175 beneficiaries, providing free medicines, including monthly maintenance supplies.
The outreach brought smiles to residents' faces, reflecting their yearning for lasting peace and progress. They expressed optimism about improved road infrastructure, hoping to enhance local produce transport and livelihoods. As PTF-ELCAC's motto poignantly states, "The road to peace is the road itself".