Law Summary
National Security Policy and Development Objectives
- End of all armed threats as a policy goal.
- Importance of healing national divisions through participatory governance.
- Inclusion of local governments in peace-building efforts.
- Goal of inclusive and sustainable peace in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.
ASEAN Endorsement of Whole-of-Nation Approach
- ASEAN's recognition of Whole-of-Nation approach effectiveness against terrorism and extremism.
- Rejection of purely military solutions in favor of integrated societal approaches.
Rationale for Whole-of-Nation Approach
- Insurgencies and conflicts viewed as symptoms of social, economic, and historical issues.
- Root causes include poverty, historical injustice, social inequality, and lack of inclusivity.
- Approach focuses on delivering basic services, social development, and facilitating societal inclusivity.
- Active participation of all social sectors prioritized.
Institutional Mechanism: Creation of National Task Force
- Establishment of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict under the Office of the President.
- Efficient, coordinated implementation of the Whole-of-Nation approach.
Composition of the National Task Force
- Chaired by the President.
- Includes the National Security Adviser as Vice-Chair.
- Members: key Cabinet Secretaries (Interior, Justice, Defense, Budget, Finance, Social Welfare, Education, etc.), heads of military and police, advisers on peace process and indigenous peoples, representatives from private sector.
- Provision for alternates authorized to make decisions.
- Private sector representatives appointed annually.
Powers and Functions of the Task Force
- Formulate and implement a National Peace Framework within six months.
- Coordinate inter-agency actions in conflict affected areas.
- Enlist support from other government departments, LGUs, GOCCs, SUCs.
- Review, adapt, or integrate policies and programs.
- Organize multi-sectoral clusters and committees at various levels.
- Develop communication, advocacy, and capacity-building plans.
- Avoid duplication of peace efforts.
- Issue supplemental guidelines or policies.
- Recommend projects and areas for peace programs.
- Perform tasks as directed by the President.
National Peace Framework
- Contains principles, policies, plans, and programs for inclusive and sustainable peace.
- Addresses root causes of armed conflicts.
- Responsive to local needs and realities.
- Establishes mechanisms for localized peace negotiations under national supervision.
Convergence and Multi-sectoral Participation
- All government instrumentalities mandated to support the Task Force.
- Private sector and civil society encouraged to participate in peace-building programs.
National Secretariat
- Supports the Task Force administratively and technically.
- Headed by an Executive Director with Undersecretary rank, appointed by the President.
- Responsible for coordination, updates, and faithful execution of Task Force directives.
Funding
- Initial funding from existing appropriations of member agencies and other sources identified by DBM.
- Future funding included in the Office of the President budget.
- Program funding integrated into agency budgets through normal budget process.
Sunset Clause
- Task Force becomes functus officio upon completing its purpose or upon presidential dissolution.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any part does not affect the remaining provisions.
Repeal Clause
- Any inconsistent orders or issuances repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- The Order takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.