AFP-PNP: Strengthening partnership in Region 8

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 22, 2012

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  The Police Regional Office 8 and the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army strengthened their partnership as both groups participated in the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) Meeting held last September 20, 2012 at Matapat Hall, Headquarters PRO8, Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte.

The RJPSCC meeting was orchestrated by the JPSCC (National Level) chaired by BGen Roberto T Almadin AFP and was participated by Senior Officers from General Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines; Senior Field Commanders from 8th Infantry Division headed by MGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID and Senior Police Officers from DIPO-Visayas and Police Regional Office 8 headed by PCSupt Elmer R Soria, CEO VI, Regional Director, PRO 8.

Significant topics were discussed during the meeting which included the presentation of best practices of the AFP-PNP JPSCC Cooperation in Region 8 and the filing of cases against insurgents/New People’s Army (NPA) and other threat groups in Region 8, particularly, the cases which do not prosper in the courts.

In his message, MGen Gerardo T Layug said “the recent joint operations between the PNP and 8ID in Eastern Visayas gain headway” and “noted that from January 2012 to present, not a single Human Rights case has been filed against the PNP and the 8ID in the region which only proves that the military and police in joint operations strictly follow, observe and adhere to the provisions of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, Rule of Law and the rules of engagement.”

“We also recognize the strong support and collaboration of the Local Chief Executives in all ‘Bayanihan’ activities conducted by 8ID and PRO8 in the region which have contributed to the over-all success of the police and military operations” added Layug.

According to the statement by PCSupt Ricardo Cornejo Marquez, JPSCC Co-chair, “the AFP and PNP will remain strong partners in Internal Peace and Security Operations and Anti-Criminality Operations, in which the AFP will be the lead agency in the conduct of IPSO while the PNP will be the primary agency in all Anti-criminality Operations”.

“The joint operations between the AFP and the PNP will further be replicated down to the provincial and the municipal/city level so as to maximize the impact on the community” added Marquez.