
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have kicked off a joint peace and development training in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), a ranking military official disclosed on Monday, Nov. 13.
Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), said the 12-day exercise opened last Nov. 10 in La Trinidad, Benguet and aims to enhance the capabilities of both uniformed agencies in maintaining peace, security, and development in the Cordillera region.
The training primarily focuses on the conduct of community support programs (CSP) and involves a company size of personnel from the AFP and PNP.
Buca said the joint training ensures both the military and police in the region will "remain adaptable and effective, ensuring that they stay ahead of evolving security challenges."
"The joint training strengthens the capabilities of the Community Support Program Teams to ensure a robust response to security challenges in the region," he stated.
Meanwhile, Police Col. Elmer Ragay, deputy regional director for operations of the Police Regional Office in Cordillera (PRO-COR), said the exercise provides an opportunity for both agencies to further fulfill their respective mandates to serve, secure, and protect the people in pursuit of a shared mission of maintaining peace and order.
"The joint training recognizes the importance of collaboration in addressing peace and security challenges in the region, and through this joint training, it seeks to strengthen partnerships by fostering a more coordinated approach to responding to peace and development efforts,” Ragay noted.