With its significant gains against the insurgency problem, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to transfer the internal security operations to the local government units (LGUs) of Pampanga.
Col. Jose Mabanta Jr., officer-in-charge of the Philippine Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade, said the successful anti-insurgency operations by the police and military since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo vowed to crush the communist movement by the end of her term allowed the transfer of security operations to LGUs.
Mabanta said that the move is in compliance with Executive Order no. 739.
E.O. 739 or "Reorganizing of the Peace and Order Council,†makes counterinsurgency as part of the main tasks of LGUs and not the sole responsibility of the AFP.
He said that since the insurgency problem in the province is almost curbed out, preparations for the transfer of the internal security operations to the LGUs are now underway.
He, however, clarified that the Philippine Army will not totally abandon insurgency concerns as it would still maintain a more “backseat position over the matter.â€
With EO 739, local government executives have the primary responsibility of protecting our communities under the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code,†Mabanta said.
He said the Army will concentrate on the other areas in Central Luzon. (PNA)
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