PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the creation of a national task force that would address the armed conflict by local communists, a Malacanang official said.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte on Tuesday, October 30, convened the executive committee of the National Security Council at Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, where they discussed 'issues and concerns which disturb our national security.'