The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) announced its departure from the NTF-ELCAC executive committee (execom) on Sunday, citing its intention to preserve academic freedom among its student communities.
In a letter dated January 30, COCOPEA said it has formally asked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to withdraw its membership from the government’s anti-insurgency task force.
According to COCOPEA, the council remains steadfast in its role as an “independent” non-government organization that represents the interests and concerns of the private education sector, as it seeks to promote and safeguard quality education in the country.
COCOPEA joined the NTF-ELCAC execom in November 2024 or barely three months ago. It has 1,500 private school members.
The group, however, said it will maintain its collaborative role outside the NTF-ELCAC following a consultation among its member associations and upon review of its core advocacies.
“While COCOPEA has opted to step back from formal membership, we acknowledge and appreciate their reaffirmed commitment to NTF-ELCAC’s mission of unity, peace, security, and socioeconomic development,” NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres said in a statement.
“This distinction is crucial—withdrawal from the ExeCom is one thing, but continued collaboration is another,” Torres noted.
“The task force values its engagement with the private education sector, especially in advancing academic freedom, countering radicalization, and fostering an environment where education remains a pillar of peace and national development,” he added.
Torres reaffirmed the NTF-ELCAC’s commitment in its campaign against violent extremism and terrorist-grooming, particularly the deceptive recruitment of young students into armed struggle.
“We believe that schools should be centers of learning, free from exploitation by radical and extremist elements, who prey on the idealism of youth to push their destructive agenda,” he underscored.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “NTF-ELCAC says collab with private schools to continue despite COCOPEA exit.”
