Mindanao Army division takes active role vs drug syndicates

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 11): Mindanao Army division takes active role vs drug syndicates

The government campaign against illegal drugs went full swing Monday with the military taking active role in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, and Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, regional director for police in the ARMM, on Monday inked an agreement that will combine Army and police personnel in Malacanang's all out war against illegal drugs and the personalities involved in it.

The signing was held at Camp S.K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao with the two officials issuing commitment to help President Duterte in his desire to make the region illegal drug-free and stamp out illegal drug syndicates.

The 6th ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao and part of Lanao del Sur, both also part of ARMM, and the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato, while PRO-ARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

With the Army's active participation, the 6th ID is ready to use its air, sea and land assets in its area of responsibility in the anti-narcotics campaign, Galvez told reporters.

Following the joint undertaking, a special task force was formed to carry out the anti-narcotics operations.

“This is what the PNP leadership wants and we on the ground shall keep up and forge ahead with enthusiasm,” Javier told reporters after signing the document.

Galvez and Javier both belonged to Class 1985 of the Philippine Military Academy.

On top of Army troopers, units under the 6th ID operational control that included the Philippine Coast Guard, 1st Marine Brigade, 1st Mehcanized brigade and Army Special Forces as well as para-military troops will be involved in the campaign.

"With this set up we hope to neutralize, not only drug syndicates, but other lawless elements who are into illegal drugs to support its operations," Galvez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=930234