A tripartite mechanism to further enhance interoperability during internal and external security operations was formally signed on Friday, July 23, by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The tripartite mechanism was officially adapted by the three agencies through Resolution Nr. 11-2021 which included the PCG in the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC).

The accord was signed by PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, AFP Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, and PCG Commandant Adm. George Ursabia Jr. in a ceremony held at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The accord also stipulates that cooperation and coordination among the AFP, PNP, and PCG complemented by collaboration and consultation with all stakeholders "shall be the guiding principle in addressing peace and security concerns."

Moreover, the three agency heads also signed JPSCC Letter Directive Nr. 03-2021 which called for the reorganization of the JPSCC.

In the revised structure, the National JPSCC will now be headed by the PNP Chief, AFP Chief, and PCG Commandant while PNP Directors for Integrated Police Operation, AFP Unified Commanders, and PCG Area Commanders will exercise supervision over the Regional and Provincial JPSCCs.

Eleazar said the collaboration of the PNP, AFP, and PCG was a manifestation of a "collective desire to enhance the level of our system of interoperability, coordination and cooperation."

He noted this will be the key to the national govenrment's "success in the war on terrorism and insurgency."

"We take pride in welcoming, officially, the Philippine Coast Guard in the JPSCC Family. The documents that we just signed are products of painstaking work that harnessed the positive ideas and modest contribution of our respective agencies aimed at ensuring a more effective campaign against terrorism and insurgency," he added.

He stressed that the cooperation of the agencies will be vital considering the emerging trends wherein adversaries have already established strengthened links with Islamist terrorist organizations, raising the density of the threat environment and risk to the communities.

Meanwhile, Sobejana said that with the inclusion of the Philippine Coast Guard in the JPSCC, there will be a strengthened collaborative efforts in terms of maritime safety and security, maritime law enforcement, and protection of the country's marine environment.

"This development is consistent with the government’s ‘whole-of-nation’ approach towards peace and security; engaging the PNP, AFP, and PCG to work together in keeping the country safe and secure," he said.

For his part, Ursabia said the PCG, as a new JPSCC member-agency, will play a vital role in forming various concepts of operations that will address the country’s complex and evolving maritime threats.

“The present challenges offer a great opportunity for us to enhance our coordination and interoperability. This has been a journey built from the ground by men in uniform service who selflessly serve for years and further stimulated and sustained at the policy side," he said.