(COT) RPOC 12 keeps watch over NPA, BIFF threats in South Central Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23): (COT) RPOC 12 keeps watch over NPA, BIFF threats in South Central Mindanao

Security concerns of communities have remained as top priority of the military and local chief executives in Region 12.

Col. Marcos Norman Flores, Jr. Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander said the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) both remain as big threats to the relative peace currently prevailing in the region brought about by the government peace overture with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Intensifying security in the Cotabato area remains a priority concern of the 1002nd Brigade,” Flores said.

The brigade’s area of responsibility practically covers South Central Mindanao or SOCKKSARGEN, which includes the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, North Cotabato and the cities therein.

Reports said that the NPA guerrilla fronts are expanding its operations particularly in North Cotabato, prompting the military to intensify its operations in the province.

Flores said his unit has the 57th Infantry Battalion (IB) covering Kidapawan City, Arakan, Magpet, Antipas and President Roxas in North Cotabato; the 39th IB in Sultan Kudarat; 27th IB and 73rd IB in Sarangani; and the 102DRC as reserved force.

During the Regional Peace and Order Council 12 (RPOC 12) meeting held in Koronadal City on April 22, the military official lauded North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza for her advocacy in initiating peace dialogues with communities frequented by NPA and BIFF rebels.

Mendoza, for her part, said nthe provincial government is committed to reciprocate the national government’s endeavour to attain long-lasting peace in Mindanao particularly in North Cotabato.

More so, the governor has proposed before the council to look into the possibility of providing vehicles for highway patrol groups (HPGs) operating in the SOCKKSARGEN area.

“This is to enable the HPGs to conduct highway operations more efficiently. Currently the HPGs have no ample vehicle support to do their task,” Mendoza said.

The RPOC 12 supported and immediately approved Mendoza’s proposal during the deliberation.

The council also discussed other essential issues confronting the region such as the tri-boundary conflict involving Tulunan in North Cotabato, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat and Datu Paglas in Maguindanao; and the updates on the GPH-MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=637368