Joint task force vs terror threat activated

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – The Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) activated yesterday a joint task force to oversee and coordinate all military and police law enforcement and anti-terror operations in this city and the province of Basilan.

Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman for Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said a memorandum for the activation of Task Force Zambas was signed in Isabela City yesterday.

Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO) for Western Mindanao; Brig. Romeo Calizo, AFP‘s deputy chief of staff for operations; Brig. Gen. Gerardo Layug, Westmincom’s deputy chief for operation; and local government officials signed the memorandum.

The joint task force was activated amid incidents of terror attacks in the area. A case cited was the recent bombing in this city that killed three people and wounded 27 others. Authorities believe the bombing was perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf.

 “A joint coordinating body is necessary to ensure that trans-regional operations by the military and police are synchronized,” Cabangbang said.

“Threats do not have boundaries. Most often, AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) law enforcement operations are hampered by political geography,” he said.

“We cannot secure one without securing the other,” he added, referring to the case of Zamboanga and Basilan.

The activation of Joint Task Force ZamBas is line with the executive order issued by President Aquino for joint military and police efforts in dealing with insurgency, terrorism and other forms of lawlessness.

Last week, the AFP and PNP also activated Joint Task Force Panguil in Oroquieta City to go after organized crime groups and other security threats in the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte.

Earlier, the AFP and the PNP also activated Joint Task Force Kutawato composed of military and police elements against Maguindanao-based terrorists and lawless elements.

All these joint task forces will be under the direct supervision of the Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame-based Peace and Security Coordinating Committee headed by Brig. Gen. Roberto Almadin of the office of AFP Deputy of Staff for Operations and PNP Directorate for Operations chief, police director Leocadio Santiago.