CentCom readies peace, dev't plans turnover for Negros Or. LGUs

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Major Gen. John Bonafos, commander of the AFP Central Command (CentCom) in the Visayas region has called on members of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental to ensure a smooth transition in the slated turnover of the peace and security plans to the provincial and local government units.

Bonafos visited the 302nd Infantry Brigade at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental during the weekend to discuss issues and concerns on internal peace and security operations (IPSO).

He said military units in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental shall focus mainly on the preparations for the eventual turnover of the peace and security responsibility to the local chief executives. "Our days are numbered" and the Army and the police will soon be under the authority of the governor, Bonafos told the soldiers.

Once this takes place, the military and the Philippine National Police shall only play a supporting role, Bonafos said, as he highlighted the military's role in maintaining peace and order, alongside the police.

Bonafos said he hoped that all provinces in Region 7 will "normalize" from the long-running insurgency problem and shall be free from it in the coming months. An extension of about six months until the middle of this year was given for Negros Oriental after the military was unable to meet the deadline set in December of last year due to a number of reasons.

Brigadier Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, head of the 302nd IBde, said about "half of the problem" was already  addressed but "we need (additional) time to complete the job." — (FREEMAN)