MANILA - The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is hopeful of getting more support for its peace and development efforts following the appointment of retired military chief Eduardo M. Ano as National Security Adviser (NSA). "As someone who already had the privilege to serve under Secretary Ano's leadership, I am certain that he will be a boon to the National Task Force. Both as Chief of Staff (of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) and DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Secretary, he had already proven that he values the efficiency of an organization above anything else," NTF-ELCAC executive director Emmanuel Salamat said in a statement Thursday. Salamat said Ano's appointment to the post will help them further strengthen and double their delivery of development programs and projects. "I know that he will never let us down," he added. Salamat said the NTF-ELCAC is honored to work with Ano. "We are all honored and humbled as Secretary Ano joins the NTF-ELCAC in its effort to institutionalize the whole-of-nation and Whole-of-Government Approach as its new vice chairman. We pledge our support to his leadership as we pursue lasting peace and prosperity for the Filipino People," Salamat said. Salamat said the NTF-ELCAC aims to dismantle all remaining guerrilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army within this year. (PNA) }