AFP, PNP streamline efforts, coordination vs. insurgency

The military and the police on Friday signed the implementing rules and regulations to Executive Order 546, which seeks to streamline the coordination between the two security organizations in suppressing threats to national security.

The document, formally called the Revised Joint Implementing Rules and Regulations (RJIRR), was signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Undersecretary Atty. Edwin Enrile representing Secretary Mar Roxas at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Hernando Iriberri and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo C. Marquez witnessed the signing.

The RJIRR clarifies operational procedures and roles of the AFP and PNP against insurgency in connection with the implementation of EO 546.

It also directs the PNP to "undertake active support" to the AFP in suppressing "insurgency and other serious threats to national security."

"In this RJIRR, the role of the Armed Forces to conduct ISO (internal security operations), ang lead sa ISO ay kami. Ang very clear also na pagka-conduct of law enforcement operations ang lead diyan ay PNP," Iriberri said.

In other words, the PNP QUAD (Operation, Intelligence, Police Community Relations and Investigations) Operations is mandated to give support to AFP Triad (Combat Operations, Intelligence and Civil Military Operations) in its fight against insurgency.

"There will be no handover of responsibilities and dito ang pagkakaiba unlike before merong misconception na pagka-clear na or stable na ang situation we will hand over or turn over the responsibility in the conduct of ISO sa PNP. Dito regardless of the situation, very clear na ang lead will be the Armed Forces of the Philippiness. Iyan ang isa sa pinaka-hightlight nitong RJIRR," Iriberri said.

The RJIRR is meant to ensure effective implementation of the AFP-PNP partnership in conduct of ISO with the help of a Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center. —Trisha Macas/KBK, GMA News