Army’s 58IB, PNP join hands vs. insurgency in Misor

ARMY’S 58th Infantry Battalion and police authorities have started to draw up collective strategic plans and programs that could effectively counter the insurgency problem in Misamis Oriental and other neighboring provinces, a military official said Monday.

Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Captain Al Pueblas said this after 58IB joined the provincial joint peace security coordinating council (JPSCC) conference held at  Misamis Oriental police provincial office headquarters in San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental last July 06, 2020.

“They gathered together to discuss the security preparations and preventive actions to deter communist New People’s Army rebels’ plan,” said Puelas.

Pueblas said the conference was also to strengthen the overall security and target hardening measures, coordination and collaborations of the military and the police.

This is also part of an objective to realign the direction of programs and activities of the government that could address the issues being exploited by the communists in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region, according to Pueblas

The said conference was graced by Police Colonel Misamis Oriental police director Robert Roy V Bahian and was attended by the Police Strategy Management Unit (POMU), Police Intervention Unit (PIU), Army’s 23rd Infantry ‘Masigasig’ Battalion, 1st Special Forces ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ Battalion, and 58IB.

The JPSCC meeting, Pueblas said, was convened to further synergize the police and military strategies into a national campaign that will defeat all threat groups and criminal elements.

“This is to ensure security and to maintain public safety to contribute to socio-economic development of the country,” said Peblas.

During the meeting, the agenda being discussed were province’ internal security operation, anti-criminality, and the updates of COVID-19.

They also discussed the current operations and accomplishments of AFP-PNP ISO that resulted in the imminent downfall of the enemy, according to Pueblas.

“Together with the PNP, we will continue to develop a well rounded defense system in assuring the safety of the peace and loving people of Misamis Oriental,” said 58IB commander Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy.

He said that with the uniformed men, they will continue their active liaising and collaborating with other line agencies and the civilian partners to attain their shared goal of lasting peace and development of the country.

“We need better coordination and cooperation in our operations on internal security, anti-criminality, and counter-terrorism,” Canatoy said.

After the meeting, the uniformed men and women of the AFP and PNP assured that their relationship remain strong and steadfast as they perform their mandated duty to promote peace and support the development initiatives of the government towards inclusive growth. (Ben Balce)