SAF commandos to help in Negros anti-drug campaign

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Special Action Force (SAF) commandos involved in the anti-insurgency campaign in Negros Occidental may be tapped to help in the government’s anti-drug campaign.

Senior Superintendent William Señoron, Negros Occidental police director, cited the declaration of a ceasefire between the government and the communist group for the deployment of SAF troopers in the war against illegal drugs.

The Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police have suspended combat operations against the New People’s Army.

Señoron said the SAF troopers would undergo orientation before they would be assigned to the anti-illegal drug campaign.

Two companies of the 6th Special Action Battalion are currently deployed in northern Negros.

Señoron said the SAF troopers might also be authorized to conduct their own anti-drug operation.

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for public safety Jesus Hinlo Jr. said the DILG would investigate former and incumbent local officials tagged in the illegal drug trade.

Hinlo has been designated by President Duterte as chairman of  DILG Task Force Agila, which handles the investigation of local officials suspected of drug involvement.

Mayor Beda Cañamaque of Basay, the lone elected official from the Negros Island Region  (NIR) named by Duterte, has denied involvement in the illegal drug activity.

Hinlo said he has no idea if the President would link more NIR officials to illegal drugs.