ZAMBOANGA CITY – Top government and defense officials, together with officials of the Sulu provincial government, launched Task Force Bantay Dagat, a group that seeks to intensify border patrol and environmental protection in Sulu, in Maubuh Beach, Barangay Umangay, Patikul, Sulu on Saturday, Nov. 19.
The task force will be composed of 380 Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary members who will train under the 11th Infantry Division to enforce security and environmental laws.
The group will be responsible for protecting the integrity of territorial waters and marine environment, providing rescue operations, monitoring illegal fishing, and enforcing coastal laws.
Defense officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. expressed the department’s intention to provide a holistic approach to security by integrating the task force with the province's internal defense system.
Armed Forces-Western Mindanao Command acting chief Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas lauded the cooperation between the local government and Sulu residents to address peace and development issues and concerns.
A meeting was held by visiting government officials with Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan where security and other related issues were discussed.
The launching of Task ForceBantay Dagat was also attended by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Philippine Coast Guard commandant Admiral Artemio Abu, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, PRO-BAR (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region) director Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, and top military, police, and government officials.