Article by:
Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – As the nation celebrates National Women’s Month 2026, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday said women empowerment needs “a society free from violence and fear."
In a statement, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said the agency reaffirms its commitment to protect women, amplify survivors and reject all forms of coercion and violence.
“Through our Whole-of-Nation Approach, we will continue to empower women in conflict-affected areas – ensuring their role in governance, peacebuilding, and development,” Torres said.
“Yet, true empowerment requires a society free from violence and fear. We remember the victims of communist-terrorist violence, such as 74-year-old Leonora Anguit, brutally killed after false accusations. We hear the voices of survivors like Ruffa L. Correa and Realyn Lombog, who faced abuse within the armed movement,” he said.
He stressed that such incidents are not isolated, but “a pattern of disregard for women’s dignity and rights.”
He urged all Filipinos to lead like the Babaylan — the fearless healers, leaders, and guardians of pre-colonial communities — to protect every woman and build a nation of peace.
"Their spirit lives on in the millions of Filipino women who today lead our families, communities, and nation toward progress and peace. By embracing the courage and wisdom of the 'Babaylan," we build a Philippines where every woman can lead in safety, justice, and peace," Torres said. (PNA)
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