Oplan kontra-dukot, Task group finalizing terror contingency plan

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Joint Task Group Maritime Safety and Security of Negros Oriental had finalized its "Oplan Kontra-Dukot" anti-terror threat contingency plan in the wake of reported potential terrorist and kidnap-for-ransom activities in the Visayas.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo sits as chairman of the task group, while Lieutenant Junior Grade Donna Liza Ramacho, commander of the Coast Guard-Dumaguete Station, was named task group commander.

Ramacho on Thursday said Oplan Kontra-Dukot (or Oplan Anti-Kidnapping), defines the concepts and operational procedures for the Task Group to ensure maritime safety and security of seafarers-particularly foreign and local tourists-in view of potential terror threat posed by extremist groups such as kidnap-for-ransom and bombings.

The Task Group met Tuesday to discuss and finalize its contingency plan as well as define the individual roles of its member-agencies, Ramacho said.

The Maritime Safety and Security group will be conducting in the coming weeks a simulation exercise (SIMEX) of different scenarios on terror attacks, such as kidnap-for-ransom, Ramacho said, adding that SIMEX will test the inter-operability and cooperation of the agencies involved.

Ramacho further said she already requested the deployment of a larger Coast Guard vessel to Dumaguete to beef up present floating assets of the group. She assured the public that, while they only have small aluminum boats at the moment, these are fast crafts that can travel at high speed.

The Philippine Navy has deployed two patrol boats to Negros Oriental, while two Philippine Air Force helicopters are also stationed at an Army camp in Tanjay City in this province.

Ramacho reiterated that Negros Oriental is safe from such terror attacks but she cautioned the public against being complacent and being caught off-guard.

Security is everybody's concern, and the community's participation-such as information sharing with law enforcement securities and vigilance especially on the arrival and presence of suspicious persons in their areas-would be a big help to authorities, Ramacho said.

The members of the Task Group Maritime Safety and Security are the Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Maritime PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation, among others.

The Task Group is also considering to involve the Department of Social Welfare and Development as a member for relief and rehabilitation efforts. (FREEMAN)