PNP, army forge MOA on internal security

By JUN ARCENO (PIA Samar)
September 1, 2007

CATBALOGAN CITY, Leyte  –  As part of the Executive Order Number 546, that mandates the Philippine National Police to undertake active support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the 46th Infantry Battalion headed by its commanding officer LtCol. Luis Vincent Tacderas and the Samar Police Provincial Office (PNP) headed by Provincial Director PSSupt Asdali Idja Abah signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Internal Security.

Both high ranking officials and 15 other Chiefs of Police attended the signing of the MOA on the AFP and PNP Security Coordinating System. The said MOA covers 15 Municipalities from Sta. Margarita to Paranas and the City of Catbalogan.

The general provisions stated that the 801st Infantry Brigade and 803rd Infantry Brigade shall continue to discharge its primary responsibility in undertaking Internal Security Operations (ISO) and assuring the security in the region.

On the other hand, Samar PPO QUAD (Operation Intelligence, Police Community Relations and Investigations) Operation shall support the 801st and 803rd triad (combat operation, intelligence and CMO) operations. The SPPO shall perform these support functions with its capability.

It also added that the SPPO shall focus its active support to the 801st and 803rd IB in addressing the Communist Terrorist Movement (CTM) political, military and united front components in urban areas/major cities or white areas.

Similarly, the MOA enumerated the degree of operations involvement of both AFP and PNP in the conduct of operation, legal offensive, participation of Army Civil Military Operation (CMO) and PNPs Police Community Relation (PCR).

The 801st or 803rd IB and Samar PPO, when applicable, shall work as a joint force in the conduct of CMO and PCR activities such as, but not limited to activation and operation of the 801st IB or 803rd IB and SPPO Communication and Information Company (JAPCIC) concept and conduct Special Operations Team White Area (SOTWA).

Samar PPO-PCR in support of the 801st IB or 803rd IB CMO/PSYOPS activity shall adopt a two pronged strategy its anti insurgency tasks which shall be undertaken through the conduct of intensified information and establishment of counter organization.

The PNP communication plan (SANTINIG) shall include the regular conduct of Police information and Continuing Education especially on issues effecting interior security, while continuing information campaign to expose the evil brought about by the insurgents wanton atrocities, merciless killings and human rights violation.

This shall be undertaken through various tri media outlets, personal contacts and the use for information technology.

The organization plan (SAMBAYAN) shall involve activities relative to the PNP AOM Model (awareness, organization, mobilization for coordination linkages, networking and organizations).