THE NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) slammed what it described as an “unruly mob” that staged a rally in front of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) purportedly to “stop” the poll body from declaring the certain victory of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the just concluded presidential elections.

The anti-terrorism body issued a statement strongly condemning the protest action.

“The NTF-ELCAC strongly condemns the agitation and false propaganda dissemination by the disgruntled and unruly mob in front of the Comelec office,” it said.

Last Tuesday, a group wearing black shirts trooped in front of the Comelec Intramuros office, shouting invectives and hurling “insults” at poll officials.

The alert Manila policemen, however, kept them at bay and the protest action was repeated on Wednesday.

The NTF-ELCAC warned the rallyists, said to be supporters of presidential bet Vice President Leni Robredo, to stay within the bounds of law, or law enforcement agencies will deal with them accordingly.

“Clearly, the rallyists are supporters of a losing presidential candidate and several senatorial candidates allied with the said presidential aspirant. This is an act of desperation. This is not an act of decent, rational, and well-meaning individuals,” the body said.

“It is our duty to inform this unruly mob to stay within the bounds of the law. Any attempt or overt act on your part leading to the disruption of the peace and order and causing harm to the public will be dealt with accordingly by our law enforcement agencies,” it added.

NTF-ELCAC also reminded the demonstrators not to make a commotion and “meltdown” of emotions due to the massive defeat in the elections becoming a threat to national security.

“Do not force the government to use the full force of the law against you. Do not also allow yourselves to be used and exploited by anti-government elements to advance their selfish agenda,” it said.

The agency pointed out that the people have already spoken and that the demonstrators must respect that voice.

“Do not waste your time and your future in the company of a bunch of misguided and disgruntled mob who cannot be decent and gracious enough to accept the will of the Filipino people,” it added.

Meanwhile, reports said the supporters of a losing candidate are “starting to execute plans with the terrorist group Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army[CPP-NPA]” to forcibly stop the proclamation of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Progressive groups joined the protest action in front of the Comelec office.

Allegedly, the groups joining the rally were “paid not less than P25,000 per jeep full of passengers with the jeep rented for P5,000 each”.

Sources said the rallyists were paid P500 per head and provided with free water and snacks.

“Kung ang isang jeep ay kayang magpuno ng 12-14 pasahero, aabot ang kanilang budget ng P7,000 kada isang PUV, dagdag ang arkilang P5,000 at karagdagan pang bayad sa sound system na kumpleto may amplifier at trompa o malaking speaker,” the source said.

“Pinaghahanap buhayan ng mga ‘kaliwa’ ang sitwasyon. Ito namang ‘dilawan’, sinasamantala ang mga teroristang ginagamit na front ang organisasyon ng mga terorista,” the intelligence officer said.

The intelligence community expressed the belief that the alleged “yellows” are starting to gather their supporters to sow terror and derail Marcos’ proclamation as the country’s next president. By Lee Ann P. Ducusin