Manila, Jan. 2 -- A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Friday reiterated the body's commitment to sustaining the government's peace gains and preventing the resurgence of communist armed violence.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., said that preserving and maintaining peace is a "daily responsibility" of all Filipinos.

"Lasting peace and genuine development are possible, but they are never automatic," he said.

While noting the tangible gains of the anti-insurgency body, Torres said complacency has no place in the work ahead.

"Peace must be defended, strengthened, and renewed every day," he said.

The NTF-ELCAC's mandate, he said, rema...