CHIEF Superintendent John Bulalacao, director of Police Regional Office-Western Visayas) has ordered all police units in Western Visayas to strengthen their coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on counter-insurgency operations.
This came after six police officers were killed while nine others were wounded when troops from the AFP's 87th Infantry Battalion mistakenly ambushed the 1st Platoon, 805th Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Samar on June 25.
READ: 6 cops killed in Samar 'misencounter' with Army
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1749696/Tacloban/Local-News/6-cops-killed-in-Samar-misencounter-with-Army
Bulalacao said he already brought this up during the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) meeting, stressing that all police units should establish close coordination with the AFP to prevent a similar incident.
"If police launch minor or even major operations, there should be coordination with the AFP to determine their respective areas or delineation," Bulalacao said.
There were lapses based on the investigation conducted by the higher headquarters on the misencounter, Bulalacao said.
However, he maintained that it was considered an "isolated case."
Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte, as the Commander-in-Chief, assumed full responsibility for the deadly misencounter.
The president also visited the wake of the slain cops and extend sympathies to their grieving families.
Bulalacao said that police should ensure good communication with the military when it comes to operations.