DND, AFP form joint task force to ‘suppress criminal activities’ in Negros Island
The Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have formed a joint task force in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to “suppress criminal activities and impunity” in the entire Negros Island.
This was announced by Defense OIC Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino in a joint press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday, March 10.
At the same time, Joint Task Force officials formed 2 brigades and 6 battalions that will assist the police in apprehending others involved in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others last week.
Marcos’ orders to the DND and AFP came after he visited the wake of Degamo in Negros Oriental on Wednesday, March 8.
“The President wanted to completely eliminate the threat from the gun-for-hire. We saw that they have been existing in Negros Oriental so we need to put a stop on these killings,” Galvez said.
“The President has mentioned that he just saw that there was anxiety or fear among the residents,” Centino said. He added that the presence of soldiers and policemen to ensure security in the area might help calm the anxiety of the people.
He also said that the joint task force, ordered created by the President, shall be composed of AFP units based in the area and augmented by troops from outside of Negros.
“As mentioned earlier we have already deployed an elite unit coming from Cotabato and now they are now in Negros to augment our forces there. The joint task force will be headed by the commander of 3rd Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Marion Sison and he will be assisted by two brigade commanders, Brig. Gen Leo Pena and Col. (Orlando) Edralin, they are brigade commanders having operational control over six battalions in the island. We assure that the AFP in collaboration with the PNP and other law enforcement agencies will continue to protect the people and safeguard the peace and security in our community,” Centino added.
The DND and AFP extended their condolences to the Degamo family and other victims of the heinous crime.
