Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr., AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief, said the military, in support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, has tightened its security preparations to maintain peace and order as it remains vigilant during the Lenten season.

Burgos said that in line with the presidential directive, the AFP released an operational directive to all field commanders.

He added that the AFP has also coordinated with the PNP and has initiated accurate measures to secure vital installations and facilities against any terror attack.

Likewise, soldiers have provided manpower, intelligence, Explosive and Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and K9 capability support to PNP and civil authorities.

According to Burgos, the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) provided personnel augmentation to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) composed of five officers and 125 enlisted personnel to assist in securing public mass transport, power utilities and other installations.

He said the AFP general headquarters (GHQ) issued a directive to the unified commands last April 15 to be extra vigilant and prepare for the Lenten season.

“Field commanders were advised to activate the AFP-PNP Joint Peace and Security Coordination Centers at the regional, provincial, and city levels. The Armed Forces also provided security guidance to all units to intensify intelligence operations and monitor on the different threat groups,” said Burgos.

AFP’s unified commands – Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), Central Command (Cencom), Western Command (Wescom), Eastern Mindanao Command (Easmincom), Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) – also issued directives to their respective operating units to take active measures and provide security against threats and support PNP’s security preparation during the Holy Week.

Elena Aben, Manila Bulletin