Task Force Pink Panther activated

THE Police Regional Office (PRO)-Zamboanga Peninsula has activated Task Force Pink Panther to strengthen security in the coastal areas of the region.

Police Brigadier General Jesus Cambay Jr., PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula director, led the activation of the task force Monday, August 10, during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

Cambay said the activation of the task force is in line with the Operations Plan (Oplan) Saklob, the holistic approach of PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula toward a long lasting peace.

Oplan Saklob is a police initiative to implement a more intensive and sustainable police operation that aims to reduce and eliminate crime such as kidnapping, extortion, sea piracy, illegal drugs and other criminal activities particularly in the coastal communities.

Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu welcomed the activation of the task force to focus more on peace and order in coastal communities.

"If our coastal areas are peaceful, this will increase our revenue and uplift our economy. Our coastal areas are the most potential for the livelihood of our people," Yu said.

Yu turned over patrol boats donated by the local government to Cambay during the activation of the task force.

Meanwhile, Cambay said the color pink under the name "Pink Panther" was chosen as it means a "calming effect" or soothing effect, love, inner peace, good health, and understanding -- qualities that the task force needs to demonstrate through the cooperation of the police, military counterparts and the local government units. (SunStar Zamboanga)