The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in the Visayas have strengthened their coordination in the fight against terrorism and insurgency across the region.
From Nov. 10 to 12, top military and police officials from Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas gathered in Bacolod City for the Workshop on the Coordinated Combat Operation and Implementation of Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation.
“Today’s activity is proof that our forces intend not only to fight hard, but to fight smart. We are in a rare and historic time and we have to make use of everything at our disposal – knowledge, strategy and resources. I am confident that we can make this work,” Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said in his message during event’s closing ceremony held at StoneHill Suites on Thursday (Nov. 12).
Lacson added that the initiative is “a strategic step in our fight against insurgency, terrorism, narco-terrorism and criminality” as he thanked both the military and the police for their “selfless and courageous service, bravery and commitment”.
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said that during the three-day activity, they came up with a blueprint on how to enhance the military and police operations in the Visayas.
“We enhanced our rapport especially in quelling terrorism and insurgency. This will serve its purpose to address the threats of insurgency in Negros and the Visayas area,” Pasaporte said, adding that “peace and development must be in tandem”.
Brig. Gen. Nickson Muksan, deputy director for PNP Directorates for Integrated Police Operations-Visayas, said that “gone are the days” that security forces are just involved in armed encounters.
“We should show help for the country, help for the people. It is more effective if we open our hearts and minds, address the social issues, and deliver the basic services from the government,” he added.
Col. Randy Peralda, deputy regional director for operations of Police Regional Office in Central Visayas, said that they were able “come up with the best ideas” during the workshop.
“We’re optimistic that with these, we will gain the upper hand in a few years to come, and we will have a significant victory before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte will end,” Peralda said as he underscored the importance of the support from local government units to attain such victory. – NLG
