NorthCot PNP heightens security measures against terrorism

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22): NorthCot PNP heightens security measures against terrorism

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato -- The Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) here is intensifying its security measures after recovering three improvised explosive devices in Carmen town and  after the bombing of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) tower in Pikit town.

Police Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum,  provincial director of the CPPO, noted that they are closely monitoring the two towns in coordination with the intelligence committee and the local officials of the areas.

Aside from monitoring, the official stated that different initiatives to counter terrorism and criminalities are being implemented.

“We are strengthening our random mobile checkpoint in different areas of the province as well as the conduct of the Oplan Lambat Bitag,” Tagum said adding that 150 personnel of the CPPO are doing security operation in every municipality.

When it comes to partnership with the armed forces of the Philippines (AFP), the CPPO is assisting the military in their implementation of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) in the hinterlands of North Cotabato.

Meanwhile, Tagum noted that in the coming May 2016 elections, the CPPO will be deploying 95 percent of its personnel to different places of the province particularly to areas with security concerns.

“Together with officials from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which will provide us with information regarding areas of concern, PNP troops will be manning their assigned places 24/7,” Tagum stated.

 At present, the police official emphasized that the province is very peaceful. On the other hand, he called for support from the residents of North Cotabato as according to him, with the wide scope of the province, the CPPO could not handle all the criminal and terror activities that may happen.

“With the cooperation of all the people in the province, I assure you that peace and order in North Cotabato is at hand,” Tagum said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2301445492587/northcot-pnp-heightens-security-measures-against-terrorism