Communication network vs terror threats to be set up

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Communication network vs terror threats to be set up

Task Force Buglas, the newly-formed anti-terrorism body of the provincial government of Negros Occidental, will set up a communication network to boost its initiatives against terror threats.

Ma. Lina Sanogal, provincial planning head and task force executive director, said in a report on Tuesday the body would discuss next week the proposal to establish a communication network.

Sanogal joined Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., task force chair, and other Capitol department heads as well as officials of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police,and other law enforcement agencies during the task force’s first meeting on Monday.

She said there was a need to assist communities in the province to know how to respond when they encounter information about a possible threat.

“We will come up with a list of things we need to procure to improve our communication facilities and to have mobility,” Sanogal said, adding that the budget can be sourced from the Peace and Order Fund.

Moreover, Sanogal said Task Force Buglas would also hold a planning-workshop to specify the functions of each task group.

These include the task group for anti-criminality spearheaded by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; internal security, Philippine Army; and coast watch, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is in-charge of humanitarian assistance and disaster response; Provincial Environmental Management Office, environmental protection; and Public Information Office Office of the Governor, communications.
Marañon Jr. ordered the creation of Task Force Buglas last June 8.

The governor’s Executive Order stated: “Islamic extremism is emerging as a major threat to peace and security in the country, especially in Mindanao, as recently experienced in Marawi City.”
Thus, the need to prevent violent extremism from happening in Negros Occidental, being an island accessible to travelers from Mindanao, is a priority, Marañon said.

"There is a need to prepare for this threat and the proper response in times of crisis to prevent extremism from inflicting excessive damage to our communities,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996700