The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the Davao Region (JRTF 11-ELCAC) has bolstered its strategic communication (stratcom) cluster to combat fake news and showcase Mindanao’s development strides.
During the task force’s recent Quarter 4 meeting in Davao City, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson and JRTF 11-ELCAC Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno emphasized the critical need for proactive measures to ensure the dissemination of accurate information.
“We, in the government, must take corrective measures to combat fake news and ensure the public has access to the truth,” Secretary Magno said. He underscored that revitalizing the stratcom cluster offers an opportunity to amplify success stories and milestones that illustrate Mindanao’s progress.
The stratcom cluster plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and development, particularly in insurgency-affected communities. It also supports programs aiding former combatants and communities recovering from conflict, ensuring their reintegration into peaceful society.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director Rene Carbayas lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely enhancement to the agency’s communication efforts. “This initiative is a much-needed boost for PIA, especially with our limited resources. It strengthens our ability to deliver impactful communication efforts,” Carbayas noted.
He added that the cluster’s work is vital in sustaining peace and transforming lives in Mindanao. “As we transition to transforming the lives of former rebels, the strategic communication cluster will ensure continued support for government programs so that those we’ve rescued will not return to armed struggle.”
Key stratcom efforts for 2024 were unveiled during the meeting, including:
- Countering propaganda from communist terrorist groups (CTGs) locally and internationally.
- Promoting good governance and key government programs in priority CTG-affected areas.
- Engaging youth and enhancing private media capacities to spread accurate information.
These initiatives aim to maintain the region’s peace gains and pave the way for sustainable growth across Mindanao.
The JRTF 11-ELCAC reaffirmed its commitment to ending local insurgency and building a stable, prosperous Mindanao through transparent communication and collective action.