NEGROS READIES FOR TERRORISM
NEGROS READIES FOR TERRORISM By Eugene Y. Adiong BACOLOD CITY-- The provincial government of Negros Occidental is readying itself against the threat of terrorism. Task Force Buglas or the Task Force for Peace and Security, recently conducted its first in a series of workshops aimed to draft policies and actions to address the threats of terrorism in the province. Created under Executive Order No. 17 – 16, Series of 2017, the body is aimed to ensure the peace and security in the province amidst the issues of Islamist extremism that is emerging as a major threat in the country especially in Mindanao, as recently experienced in Marawi City. The task force is chaired by Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. is the task force chairperson while Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is vice chairperson. Executive Director is PPDC Ma. Lina Sanogal, who is also the Action Officer of the Provincial Peace and Order Council. Lacson said there is a need to have the help and support of the masses in thwarting the threats of terrorism in communities. The situation in Marawi City is something that he does not want to happen in the province, and emphasized the need for all sectors to cooperate in preventing all forms of violence, the vice governor pointed out. The task force has identified five possible terrorism scenarios including bombing, “lone wolf attack”, kidnapping, hijacking and sea- jacking, and has drafted various courses of actions and activities to be taken before, during and after the occurrence of such incidents. Under the EO, the task force shall ensure the proper coordination of different agencies to protect Negros Occidental from the threat of terrorism, crime and other lawless elements; coordinate to efficiently provide humanitarian assistance during times of crises and disasters; strengthen communication linkages with communities to immediately gather reliable information that needs swift action; promote community awareness on their roles on law enforcement and public safety; and perform other functions that may be necessary for the purpose of sustaining peace and order and public safety. It also organized its seven task groups namely Task Group on Anti-Criminality, Task Group on Internal Security, Task Group on Coast Watch, Task Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, Task Group on Critical Infrastructures and Bio-Physical Security, Task Group on Communication, and Task Group on Information, Education and Advocacy. The task groups have also come up with proposed budgets to support their various programs including equipment and personnel, that will be sourced from the Peace and Order and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds, among others