The Department of National Defense (DND) has assured Filipinos the country’s security sector’s is committed to eliminate “peace spoilers” in society.
DND Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. made the assurance during the 11th oversight committee meeting of the National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF-DPAGS) earlier this week.
The “peace spoilers” issue has emerged anew in the light of the recent spate of violence against local chief executives. Galvez said the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and all member agencies of the NTF-DPAGs, remain committed to their mandate of eliminating peace spoilers to ensure that the people can live free of violence and fear thereof.”
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, in a recent statement said the security sector would act with utmost dedication to fulfill all tasks necessary to attain this goal and ensure the security of the Bangsamoro region, especially its 63 special geographic areas.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos earlier directed the DND and the AFP to intensify their support and cooperation in the disbandment of private armed groups in the Bangsamoro region and other concerned areas across the country.
“More than ever, the fulfillment of our mandate is now made more urgent with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to dismantle private armies and identify hotspots where local officials are being attacked,” said Galvez, who is also the task force’s vice chair.
Department of the Interior and Local Government chief and NTF-DPAGs chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. Has meanwhile commended the task force for its swift response to reported lawlessness in areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.
PHOTO: Department of National Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. (Photo courtesy of DND)
