This was learned from
Lt. Col. Federico Tutaan, the Commanding Officer of the 19th IB in a
brief meeting yesterday. Tutaan shared the information immediately
after the formal signing of the said MOA with PSSupt. Wilson C. Caubat,
the PNP City District Director.
The forging of efforts
between the two agencies was held at the City Mayor’s Office with no
less than Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez witnessing the occasion. It was
also attended by 1Lt. Donato A. Molina, 2Lt Ricalyn Paula L. Corleto,
PSI Amancio T. Longjas, PSI Francisco T. Calumba Jr. and PSI Leo D.
Laraga, OIC of the Tacloban City Police Office.
“We’re still
scheduling the dates for the MOA signing in two more provinces namely,
Biliran and Maasin Leyte”, Tutaan explains while stressing that the
six areas mentioned are under his command of responsibility.
The creation of the
JPSCC was made after assessing a very successful implementation of the
same partnership during the
May 10, 2010 election where JSCCs were activated. It has allowed
for a smooth integration of security operations between the AFP and
the PNP.
Furthermore, in
January 2009, the Office of the President issued Executive Order No.
733 which empowered the Peace and Order Councils in the national and
local levels. The said order provides specific Internal Security
Operations (ISO) duties and functions to promote convergence efforts
intended to improve peace and order as well as public safety in their
respective areas of responsibility.
In addition, a
Centcom-DIPO-Vis Joint Implan (Implementation Plan) dated Dec. 23,
2010 furthermore served as the legal basis for the creation of Visayas
JPSCCs.
“The JPSCC is a
concrete proof for the successful conduct of an integrated approach
for any peace and security concerns. We will be working hand in hand
with the Local Government Units in the preservation of peace and order
and in addressing peace and security concerns occurring in my area.
This will allow the local folks to live in a secured environment
conducive to development”, adds Col. Tutaan.
The JPSCCs shall craft
and implement plans for intensified security operations against
lawless and criminal elements, private armed and other threat groups
in support of the LGUs; assume functions during elections; monitor and
assess peace and security situations; coordinate the implementation of
necessary measures to ensure peace and security in their area of
responsibility; conduct intensified law-enforcement; initiate and
coordinate trainings and exercises; conduct information dissemination
of timely and relevant information and enhance awareness program.
Under the Joint
Implementatin Plan, the 19th IB headed by Lt. Col. Federico Tutaan
will maintain its role as the lead agency in ISO while the Tacloban
PNP will be in active support.
On the other hand, the
Tacloban PNP will be the lead agency in anti-criminality and
law-enforcement functions with the support of the 19th IB.
The 19th IB Commander
is glad with this development as he considers cooperation and
coordination with other law-enforcement agencies as a vital move
towards achieving their targets. He believes in the importance of
collaboration and consultation with stakeholders. He vows to ensure
the protection of human rights as guiding principles in the pursuit of
these efforts.
In a related story, a
Regional MOA between the AFP and PNP has already been signed last
January 25, 2011 at the Governor’s Hall, Leyte Provincial Capitol,
Tacloban City. The Joint Implan was signed by MGen. Mario F. Chan, 8ID
Army Commander, PRO8 Regional Director PCSupt. Arnold Revilla, and
PRO7 Regional Director PCSupt. Ager P. Ontog Jr. Governor Jericho L.
Petilla was represented by Vice-Governor Bagulaya.
