PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has named retired military official Yusop Jimlani as the new Presidential Adviser on local extremist group concerns.

Based on his appointment paper signed by Duterte on December 6, Jimlani will hold an Undersecretary rank under the Office of the President.

Prior to his new government post, Jimlani was the director of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

Jimlani, a retired colonel of the Philippine Army who facilitated the surrender of Muslim insurgents, also served as consultant of Duterte when the latter served as mayor of Davao City.

Jimlani's appointment came two days after Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 70, which creates a national task force delegated to end armed struggle involving communist insurgents in the country.

Under EO 70, Duterte and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. will serve as chairperson and vice chairperson of the task force, respectively.

The task force will oversee the implementation of a National Peace Framework anchored on a "whole-of-nation" approach, a government policy for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace in the country. (SunStar Philippines)