PNP, AFP forge ties amid security threats in Mindanao

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Froces of the Philippines (AFP) have signed an agreement that aims to monitor the activities of local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao amid security threats in the region.

PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde and AFP Chief of Staff, General Carlito Galvez Jr. signed recently the Joint Letter Directive that serves as the implementing order on the monitoring of local chief executives in Mindanao as contained in Martial Law Instructions No. 1 issued by Martial Law Administrator and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

"The PNP sustains responsiveness to do its mission to serve and protect the Filipino people. Police and military efforts may have been bolstered with the declaration of martial law in Mindanao but we must oversee [the] situations of our fellow Mindanaoans in the light of aggressive violence that may victimize [the] lives of innocents," Albayalde said.

According to the PNP, the Joint Letter Directive seeks to establish a monitoring system, in coordination with the PNP and AFP among other law enforcement agencies, "to effectively assist the regional and provincial governors in Mindanao."

"It will also provide a system to monitor and assess the operationalization of LGU councils and committees; and monitor [the] participation of local officials in all programs, activities and projects of these LGU councils and committees," the PNP said.

The interaction of local officials with their constituents will also be monitored to determine "if they are present and discharging their official functions in their localities, as well as supervising their various executive departments in the implementation of government programs and services for the benefit of their constituents."