The creation of a new provincial anti-insurgency body in Cebu has drawn sharp criticism from a prominent activist alliance, which labels the move a dangerous step towards militarization that fails to tackle the real drivers of social unrest.
BAYAN Central Visayas Condemns Executive Order 61
On Friday, January 9, 2026, Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of BAYAN Central Visayas, issued a strong statement opposing Governor Pamela Baricuatro's Executive Order No. 61, Series of 2025. The order, which took effect in December 2025, establishes the Cebu Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-Elcac).
Paglinawan argued that Cebu's fundamental crisis is not one of security but of socio-economic hardship. He pointed to hunger, unemployment, rising prices, unsafe workplaces, lack of affordable housing, weak health services, and worsening environmental destruction as the core issues that need addressing.
A Flawed Model and Misused Funds
The group asserts that forming another Elcac task force mirrors the controversial national model. They warn it will divert crucial public funds away from essential basic services. BAYAN referenced the heavily scrutinized multibillion-peso budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) as a cautionary tale.
Their criticism finds support in warnings from Catholic institutions. Caritas Philippines and the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace have previously stated that Elcac funds often serve as instruments of political patronage rather than genuine, rights-based social assistance.
Linking Opposition to Recent Tragedy and Peace Concerns
BAYAN connected its opposition to immediate local concerns, citing the tragic collapse of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City on Thursday, January 8, which killed workers. They highlighted this as a symptom of the province's widespread unsafe working conditions.
Furthermore, the group invoked international opinion, noting the February 2024 recommendation of United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan. Khan called for the abolition of the NTF-Elcac, describing it as outdated and harmful to authentic peace-building. BAYAN fears localizing this system will legitimize the surveillance, harassment, and intimidation of individuals and organizations labeled as communist sympathizers.
Task Force Mandate and Call for Revocation
The PTF-Elcac is designed to coordinate anti-insurgency efforts across Cebu, particularly in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. It brings together security forces, civilian agencies, and civil society. Governor Baricuatro serves as chairperson, with Vice Governor Glenn Soco as vice chairman. Members include provincial and national agencies, the AFP, PNP, and selected civil society groups.
Its mandate includes creating a provincial peace framework, ensuring inter-agency coordination, and linking security operations with livelihood and reintegration programs. Funding will come from the Office of the Governor's Peace and Order and Public Safety budget earmarked for Elcac and poverty-reduction programs.
In light of their criticisms, BAYAN Central Visayas is calling on Governor Baricuatro to reverse her decision and revoke EO 61. They urge the provincial government to focus its resources and efforts on environmental protection, workers' safety, regulating destructive industries, and investing in healthcare, housing, education, and decent jobs.
