CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY- In adherence to the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte’s state of national emergency on account of lawless violence, the 8th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office – 8 is currently conducting joint AFP-PNP security patrols and checkpoints all throughout Eastern Visayas to secure the people, vital facilities and infrastructures against the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist groups.
Upon the President’s declaration of state of lawlessness” on September 5, 2016, a coordinating conference was initiated by this Command headed by Major Gen. Jet B Velarmino, 8th ID commanding general, together with the PNP headed by Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Beltejar, acting regional director of PRO-8 and other law enforcement agencies to come up with measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Eastern Visayas.
With that, the body agreed on the need to enhance present security measures especially in public places such as bus terminals, airports, seaports, commercial centers and places of worship.
Maj. Gen Velarmino also added that the 8th ID will deploy sufficient troops to augment the Philippine National Police in their foot and mobile visibility patrols, checkpoints and inspections.
Likewise, troops and K9 bomb sniffing dogs will be augmented to the Philippine Coast Guard and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines/Air Transportation Office in all seaports and airports in the area of responsibility, respectively.
With the aforesaid, we would like to appeal to the public for your utmost cooperation and understanding as we, your Army in Region 8 together with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies, will continue to do our mandate of protecting and serving the people of Eastern Visayas. (PR)
