Zamboanga City – Government security officials participated in the 2nd Quarter Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) meeting at Sulu Police Provincial Office Headquarters Camp PSSUPT Julasirim A Kasim, Asturias, Jolo, Sulu.
Joint Task Force – Sulu Commander MGen William N Gonzales and Sulu Provincial Police Chief PCol. Michael B. Bawayan presided over the JPSCC discussion, which included updates on their respective unit’s internal security efforts as well as plans to further improve their collaboration.
In a briefing, the PNP presented a comparative analysis of their anti-criminality campaigns, underscoring the role of collaboration among forces to their successes. For its part, the military outlined the current security situation in the province, citing their operational accomplishments against terrorism. Meanwhile, PCG Station Commander LCdr. Makaradat L. Uddin shared their plans to further enhance the security forces’ control over the security of the coastal areas of Sulu.
During the open forum, Col Bawayan pointed out that the crime rate in the province is consistently in decline. “I think everyone would agree that our anti-terrorism efforts have also made this trend possible. Nevertheless, there are still things we need to improve on such as real time inter-agency coordination,” he added.
MGen. Gonzales fully agreed stating that there are indeed a growing number of civilian volunteers – army reservists, and Barangay Peace Action Teams members – and Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary that needs to work seamlessly with both the PNP and the military’s respective campaigns.
“Our tight partnership and coordination with the rest of the security sector and the local government of Sulu has been proven effective. Many have already signified their enthusiasm to be part of our mission to bring peace and security in the region. Truly, we need to synchronize all of our actions to reach our common goal. We have a lot of work to do,” MGen Gonzales said.
The activity was also attended by 1102nd Bde Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Tarahuddin Ampatuan, 4MBDE Commander Col. Hernanie S. Songano PN, 1103rd Bde Commander Col. Eugenio Boquio, ADC-RRA and MJIATG Commander Col. Giovanni Franza and other military officers.
(News & photo courtesy of Wesmincom Public Information Office)