AFP, PNP form joint communication committee for peace, dev't programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): AFP, PNP form joint communication committee for peace, dev't programs

In line with its efforts to promote its peace and development programs, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police has formed its joint AFP-PNP Civil Relations Committee (JAPCRC).

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo, in a statement Sunday, said the joint letter directive calling for the creation of the JAPCRC was signed on Friday.

“The JAPCRC shall coordinate and synchronize AFP Civil-Military Operations (CMO) and PNP Community Relations (PCR) to better implement our peace and development programs particularly in conflict-affected communities,” he added.

Arevalo said AFP deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations Major Gen. Melquiades L. Feliciano and Police Community Relations acting director Chief Supt. Noel G. Constantion signed signed the letter directive with key officials from the AFP and PNP in attendance.

The JAPCRC was patterned on the existing Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC) and will support the proposed Revised National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) Organization.

“This serves as a venue for us to strengthen mechanisms for the integration and collaboration of our efforts for joint civil relations operations; with the end view of realizing the Filipino’s aspirations for peace, security, stability, and progress,” Constantino stressed.

The JAPCRC aims to ensure efficient, responsive, and coordinated civil relations efforts in support of national security and development objectives.

It will also recommend areas where the AFP or the PNP shall take the lead or support role in the conduct of joint civil relations activities.

Another function of the JAPCRC is to coordinate civil relations aspect of all AFP-PNP law-enforcement, internal security, and counterterrorism efforts. The functions will be replicated at the area, regional, and provincial levels.

Among the activities to be conducted under the joint effort are strategic crisis communications; creation of joint quick response teams during emergencies; conduct of joint training activities, medical, dental, veterinary, and engineering civic action projects; and joint humanitarian civic assistance.

“Public support and good community relations are crucial to the successful performance of military and police functions. Both the AFP and the PNP acknowledge this and have long sought the support and assistance of the civilian populace in the performance of their different but interrelated mandates,” Arevalo said.

“It is imperative that the AFP and PNP work closely and support each other in addressing all threats to national peace and security and at the same time, it is necessary for both organizations to maintain their legitimacy among the people they serve,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said.

"Through the creation of the JAPCRC, we hope to further establish a stronger and more active relationship with our people and stakeholders in building a better and peaceful nation,” he added.

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