NegOcc to set up anti-terror operation centers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5): NegOcc to set up anti-terror operation centers

BACOLOD CITY -- The provincial government of Negros Occidental will set up operation centers for its anti-terrorism body "Task Force Buglas" in two identified sites in this city.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Ma. Lina Sanogal, task force action officer, said Monday the initiative is part of the province’s preparations to combat terror threats.

“We are very are much into the preparations. We have to be ready for any eventuality considering the threats,” she added.

Sanogal said the operation hubs will be established at the existing building of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division within at the Panaad Park and Stadium and at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters in Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr.

“We hope to operationalize our centers for Task Force Buglas. We will procure equipment,” she said, adding that personnel from law enforcement agencies will help man the operations centers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sanogal also said that during task force meeting on Monday, they approved projects, including a security application for real-time response.

The budget has been sourced from the Capitol’s disaster and peace and order funds.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. formed Task Force Buglas in June last year to counter terror threat down to the barangays.

Task Force Buglas includes task groups for anti-criminality spearheaded by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; internal security, Philippine Army; and coast watch, 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 from the Governor’s office, communications.

Marañon had urged local chief executives and barangay officials to work together to make the province peaceful, livable, and ready for further development.

“We must be vigilant and prepared. We should guard every locality,” the governor added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024147