PNP, Army in Visayas fortify partnership for stable internal peace and security

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Security forces in the Visayas further strengthened their partnership in a bid to sustain stable internal peace and security in the area.

The alliance was bolstered in a meeting between Major General Marion Sison, Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Spear commander, and Police Major General Robert Rodriguez, Area Police Command (APC)-Visayas commander.

The meeting between the two commanders took place at the 3rd ID headquarters at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

The leaders discussed enhancing military-police cooperation and collaboration in Regions 6 and 7.

Also present during the meeting were 3ID Assistant Division Commander Brigadier General Leonardo I. Peña, Chief of Staff Colonel Melencio Ragudo, ADC for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (RRA) Colonel Lennon Babilonia and other key officers of the Division.

Rodriguez assured 3ID of full support from APC-Visayas, particularly in its efforts to end insurgency in Western and Central Visayas.

APC-Visayas, which covers PNP regions 6, 7, and 8, has a mandate to orchestrate and supervise inter-regional operations against insurgency, terrorism, and other internal security threats.

Sison said that APC-Visayas’ full backing of 3ID’s anti-insurgency endeavors is essential in establishing and sustaining stable internal peace and security. This, in turn, will greatly improve the lives of the people in Western and Central Visayas.

“The conditions of a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) have been met in Negros Island and can now be formally declared by our concerned Local Chief Executives. Stable Internal Peace and Security in a locality will attract new investments, generate jobs for our people, improve their well-being, and provide opportunities to help our people realize their hopes and dreams for their families and future generations,” he said.

With a stronger partnership with their police counterparts and other stakeholders in the region, Sison stressed that their dream of establishing Stable Internal Peace and Security for the people of Western and Central Visayas is at hand.