No let up on Aklan security, says Philippine Army
BY VENUS G. VILLANUEVA

KALIBO, Aklan - The province is currently peaceful but the Philippine Army based in Camp Jizmundo, Libas, Banga, Aklan is not letting its guard down.

It is but prepared at all times, so terroristic incidents like bombings in Mindanao and the CPP-NPA raid of Bacolod International Airport and the destruction of its facilities will not happen here in Aklan.

This was the assessment of Capt. Tony Tumnog, designated information officer of the 47th IB, Banga, Aklan of the Philippine Army when he reported on the activities of his organization at the 4th quarter meeting of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) recently held at PIA-Aklan Office.

The Philippine Army attributed the peaceful situation obtaining in Aklan to close military and civilian interaction resulting from an effective peace process initiative in the form of medical and surgical missions in far-flung and poor barangays.

Tumnog cited the recently-held Kalahi Community Day and Hinun-anon sa Barangay held in Malinao, Aklan wherein one of the major components was the medical mission jointly manned by the AFP medical team and members of Aklan Medical Society.

"We have to be ready always. ‘Hindi paatras ang panahon.’ We are also appealing to the people to help us by reporting to the police whenever crimes are committed or if some persons are acting suspiciously - for fast crime solutions, or preventions. If you have also seen something unsatisfactory with our police personnel, report right away," said Insp. Ramon Santos of Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO).

Santos said, "to prevent the similar incident in Silay City from happening in Aklan, the 601st Mobile Group is constantly monitoring vital installations in the province like airports and major seaports."

Incidentally, with the recent Regional Trial Court decision of dismissing the case filed by the Municipality of Malay through Mayor Ciceron Cawaling against the provincial government of Aklan represented by Governor Carlito S. Marquez for Declaratory Relief with Preliminary Injunction, the "one-entry, one exit" provincial ordinance in Caticlan and Boracay Island will now be fully implemented.

This is the signal that Supt. William Macavinta has been waiting for in order to fully monitor the Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports "so terror acts that happened in some places will not happen here," according to the PNP-Aklan head.