Inter-agency task force for peace

CEBU CITY — The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Central Visayas created the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for Peace and Security through a council resolution passed during the council’s 4th quarter meeting in Cebu City recently.

Major Gen Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 31D, noted in his presentation the need to create the regional task force to be able to consolidate efforts to protect the region against terrorism, extreme violence, insurgency and criminality.

Aying said these threats are real as recently experienced in Marawi City and other parts of Mindanao and the spill-over in the Visayas as what happened in Bohol and Leyte.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, who also heads the council, said Cebu’s social and political-economic development must be protected against any threats to undermine its economy and growth.

Davide said this will facilitate efficient communication links with local government units, community awareness and involvement specifically the aspects of prevention, law enforcement, public safety and security operations.

The task force hopes to strengthen the Peace and Order Council in detecting, preventing and responding against extreme violence and terrorism, illegal drugs, human induced disaster and violation of environmental laws and other forms of lawlessness in Central Visayas, Aying added.

Aying also reported on the peace and order situation in Central Visayas.