With Osmeña-Dino rift: Military authorities say no politics in sea security campaign

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Central Command said it supports any initiative that would strengthen security in the Visayas region as representatives of various government agencies led by Presidential Adviser for the Visayas Michael Lloyd L. Dino gathered last for a coordination meeting on securing the Visayan seas. “We are supportive of efforts and initiatives whether coming from the local government units or from other government agencies to help strengthen our defenses against terrorism. Wala kaming pulitika (we don’t get involved in politics),” said Col. Medel M. Aguilar, information officer of the AFP Central Command. He made the statement after Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña said he will support the Visayan Sea Safety and Security Inter-Agency Task Force only if it will not be created by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV). Mr. Osmeña, who has a rift with Mr. Dino, suggested that it should be the maritime police leading the task force. Mr. Aguilar, however, said: “Iisa lang naman ang kalaban natin, ang mga terorista (We have only one enemy, the terrorists),” adding that everyone should be united in such “crucial times.” The task force includes the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Customs, Department of Tourism, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine Ports Authority, and Philippine Navy. OPAV would be part of the monitoring group. A memorandum of agreement is set to be signed this week.