PRO-ARMM remain committed to national leadership, united with AFP

The leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) reiterated it remained committed to the country's leadership and solidly together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This is in response to rumors circulating around and pushed by some sectors that disunity exist between the AFP and PNP, according to Senior Supt. Noel Armilla, PRO-ARMM police regional director.

"The PNP reiterates the pronouncement of PNP-OIC chief Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina that the PNP and the AFP remain solidly together despite the Mamasapano incident," Armilla said in a statement released here today.

"Though there are misunderstandings on this particular occasion, the PNP assures that the relationship and coordination with the AFP is still very close and vibrant," he added.

The Mamasapano incident that left 44 Special Action Force commandos were killed after successfully putting down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias "Marwan" has been used by some sectors to foment disunity among the AFP and PNP due to lack of coordination.

"As a matter of fact, relentless coordination between the PNP and AFP is being practiced by both agencies through the Joint Peace and Security Coordination Center (JPSCC) that was created through the Joint Letter Directive (JLD) 07-2010," Armilla reiterated.

Armilla said the JPSCC will ensure the unity of efforts between the military and the police in addressing all peace and security concerns.

The JPSCCs were created by the PNP and the AFP in the national, regional, provincial and independent city levels that is tasked to work hand in hand in the preservation of peace and order and in addressing peace and security concerns occurring in the locality.

Nonetheless, the PNP and the AFP will continue to perform its mandated duties in ensuring the safety and security of the country and all of its citizens.

Armilla also said that the PNP-ARMM which covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, BAsilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi remained committed to the chain of command of the PNP and the national government.

He also stressed that the PNP ARMM officers and men and women will never participate in extra-legal means in changing government leadership.(PNA)