MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen Eduardo Oban Jr. said the country’s military and police forces are stepping up their operations against terror groups.
“We are conducting intensive military operations against terror groups, most particularly in Mindanao,” Oban said during a visit to the headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday. “ We are coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in intelligence gathering, intelligence sharing, to ensure the success of these operations.”
Oban’s visit to the PNP headquarters was his first since taking over as AFP Chief in March. He was met, and briefed by PNP Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, and top police brass.
Bacalzo, for his part, said he has been working closely with all police field commanders in an effort to beef up intelligence activities, and pushing station commanders nationwide to be more proactive in monitoring terror as well as crime-related activities in their respective areas.
“There are no specific threats referring to a specific area, to a specific date, or time, or specific group, but we know it’s always there, particularly in the areas of Mindanao, and that is what we monitor. We are not letting our guards down,” he vowed.
Oban’s visit was described as a “traditional” affair to ensure, and manage the coordination of security efforts between the two agencies.
“We are conducting everything jointly, particularly in our fight against terrorism,” Bacalzo later explained to the media.
Oban assumed the post of chief of staff after the retirement of then AFP chief of staff Ricardo David last March.
Patrolling Philippine territory
Coordination between the AFP and PNP on guarding Philippine territorial waters and boundaries, was also discussed during the joint briefing. Oban said. He said the PNP, particularly its maritime group, was active in coastal patrols.
Bacalzo elaborated that the PNP patrols the coastal areas as an “internal layer” of security to the country. “So we assume the internal layer (of defense), we have the coast guard, and then the outer layer which is maintained by the Philippine Navy,” he said.