SAF in Capiz to augment gov't forces

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 12 (PIA6) – The Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police who were deployed in Capiz will augment the government forces in ensuring public safety and peace and order situation.

Police Regional Director Agrimero Cruz Jr., who was here in Capiz, October 11, to formally welcome the 72 members of the PNPs SAF at the Manhoy, Dao, Capiz headquarters, said the intention of the deployment of said company here is to make the community safe, orderly and secured especially against insurgency.

Cruz said that he requested for such SAF deployment in the province because of the recent reports on the rebel movements and activities here including the harassments in the community which he said, the PNP will not allow to happen.

He said that the SAF’s operation will not only be in Capiz but also in the boundaries of the neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Aklan and Antique.

“The stay of the SAF in Capiz will be assessed based on the peace and order situation here and if everything could already be handled by the local police, the troop will be deployed in areas that needed them in terms of addressing peace and order situation,” Cruz explained.

On the other hand, Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco, who also welcomed the SAF troop, pledged the all-out support of local officials in the entire province from the provincial, municipal and barangay levels, for a common effort of ensuring secured, safe and orderly community.

Tanco stressed that the presence of additional government forces will further preserve and improve the peace and order situation in Capiz.

He pointed out that the delivery of services is impossible without peace, hence peace and development must go hand and hand.

Tanco said that Capiz is one area in the country that is given the opportunity to host the SAF which is considered as an elite group of the PNP.

Aside from Cruz and Tanco, 61st Infantry Battalion Commander Christopher Sab-it of the Philippine Army, Dao town mayor Joselito Escutin and Capiz Police Provincial Director Domingo Cabillan likewise welcomed the SAF troop. (JCM/Jemin B. Guillermo/PIA6-Capiz)