AFP lauds ‘Bayanihan’, hands over security efforts responsibility in Aklan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

                                                 PHOTO AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Citing ‘Bayanihan’ is winning peace in rural areas in Aklan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) handed over the Internal Peace and Security Efforts responsibility to Aklan government agencies and the police. 

Major Ray Tiongson, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said the handover of responsibility was formalized between the Aklan Provincial Peace and Order Council (APPOC), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on April 25. 

Tiongson said the provincial government will take the lead role in the internal peace and security efforts in Aklan through the APPOC supported by PNP and AFP.

“Aklan which was declared insurgency free in December 2011 is not only the efforts of PNP and AFP but a collaborative effort of stakeholders to achieve peace and security,” he said.

The military noted a constant decline of New People's Army members and their mass base support in Aklan.

Tiongson emphasized the AFP’s community development strategy ‘Bayanihan’ as the shared commitment of local and national government units and civil society groups to achieve development and peace and order in the barangay level. 

'Bayanihan' is AFP's internal peace and security plan being implemented under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III since 2011. 

The joint Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Commander Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Aklan Governor and APPOC chairman Florencio Miraflores and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 6 represented by Aklan acting police provincial director Senior Superintendent Iver Apellido.

Also present during the signing ceremony at ABL Sports and Cultural Center were Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr. and Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo and the provincial board members.