THE Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Directorate for Integrated Police Operation, Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) pledged to work hand in hand in addressing pressing security concern in their jurisdiction.

Eastmicom commander Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Madrigal Jr. in a press conference during the Joint Command Conference at Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City Thursday, October 25, said this activity is a manifestation of that the AFP and PNP are proactive in converging their efforts to enhance cooperation.

The two major security agencies agreed through a joint letter directive to work together in fighting insurgency, maintaining the territorial integrity, securing the different government flagship projects, terrorism, anti-criminality and anti-drug campaign.

The convergence of AFP and PNP units' head and staff at different levels which are headed by Madrigal and Police Chief Superintendent Daniel Macatlang Jr., director of DIPO-EM, was anchored on the common objective of attaining peace and security in eastern Mindanao.

Madrigal underscored the recent accomplishments in his area of responsibility in addressing insurgency with the decreasing number of strength of the New People’s Army (NPA), number of firearms recovered and cleared barangays from communist affectation.

This is an avenue where they could share best practices to develop proper coordination in terms of law enforcement.

During the activity, both security agency reviewed the present peace and security situation in their AOR, update the participants on the Development Plan of Mindanao, develop common understanding on the conflict sensitivity of peace efforts, the dynamics of peace and security, enhance inter-operability, and synchronize AFP and PNP efforts in sustaining the gains of peace and security in eastern Mindanao.

The operational directive specifically specified the joint concept and general protocol on focus military operations, law enforcement operations, intelligence operations, countering and preventing violent extremism, community support program, maritime and border security, civil relations program, and in securing the different flagship projects in eastern Mindanao.