PNP, AFP sign new joint directive to dismantle insurgency, terrorism in the country

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 23, 2020): PNP, AFP sign new joint directive to dismantle insurgency, terrorism in the country (By Susan G. De Leon) 

CALOOCAN CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) signed today a new joint directive that aims to dismantle the communist insurgency and terrorism in the country.

PNP Chief, Police General Camilo Cascolan and AFP Chief of Staff, General Gilbert Gapay led the signing of Joint Letter Directive No. 03 series of 2020 or "Guidelines in Evaluating the Effectiveness of Internal Security Operations in Support to the National Thrust to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” during the National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) Meeting on Wednesday, September 23 in Camp Crame, Quezon City,

The PNP and AFP also signed a Joint Resolution that declares of communist guerilla fronts as weakened and dismantled groups at present times.

Present to witness the signing of the directive and resolution include Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, and NICA Director General Alex Paul Monteagudo.

Cascolan expressed his sincerest gratitude and appreciation to General Gapay "for always being supportive of the efforts of the PNP in attaining peace and harmony not only with the terrorist conflict areas but in whole country".

"On behalf of the Philippine National Police, I express my unqualified support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in your desire to eliminate communist insurgency in affected provinces," Cascolan said.

The PNP Chief also pointed out the essence of the JPSCC meeting to strengthen the rapport of the PNP and AFP as police force supports anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations, particularly, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

"While we must perform our primary responsibility to serve and protect our people, it is our duty to give our best to help the AFP in defending our country through giving the best assistance and support to your troops especially in part of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region," he said.

Aside from anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism efforts of the PNP, Cascolan emphasized that this new directive is aligned on his 9-point Strategic thrusts as part of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030, citing continuous campaign against loose firearms, illegal discharge of firearms, and campaign against criminal gangs, and drug suspects and peddlers.

"The signing of the Joint Letter Directive and Joint Resolution will collectively adopt all pursued cooperative efforts among the AFP and our organization to attain our goals with the end view of realizing the Filipino people’s aspirations for peace, security, stability and progress, and upholding their civil, political and human rights, under the rule of law," he said.

In 2017, the PNP and AFP also signed a Joint Resolution on the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on Legal Action (IACOLA) during the 20th National JPSCC Meeting.

The accord has established stronger collaboration of ongoing and future efforts of the national government in addressing threat groups and local insurgency in the country.

Prior the event, all attendees underwent antigen testing to ensure health safety inside the venue. All participants' results are negative. (PNP PIO/PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054079