PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday signed a tripartite mechanism to further enhance inter-operability during internal and external security operations.

The tripartite mechanism was formalized through Resolution Nr 11-2021, which included the PCG in the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC).

A signing ceremony was held at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo which was also virtually attended by key officers of the three uniformed services.

The Chief of Staff, AFP and the Chief, PNP, as Co-Chairs of the National JPSCC resolved to include the PCG as one of the member agencies of the JPSCC, and subsequently designated the Commandant, PCG to be one of its Co-Chairs.

“With the inclusion of the Philippine Coast Guard in the JPSCC, we look forward to future collaborative efforts among agency members in terms of maritime safety and security, maritime law enforcement and the protection of the country’s marine environment,” said AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana.

This development is consistent with the government’s ‘whole-of-nation’ approach towards peace and security; engaging both military and law enforcement agencies to work together in keeping the country safe and secure.

“This will indeed give us more opportunities for collaboration and make us more effective in our efforts to attain stability, and peace and security in our country,” said PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar.

As new JPSCC member agency, the PCG will play a vital role in forming various concepts of operations that will address the country’s complex and evolving maritime threats.

“The PCG cannot stand alone. If we want to succeed in our efforts, we have to implement our initiatives in a holistic approach to effectively address lawless violence and serve others,” said PCG Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia Jr.

The three chiefs also signed JPSCC Letter Directive No. 03-2021 which called for the reorganization of the coordinating center.

In the revised structure, the National JPSCC will now be headed by the AFP Chief, PNP Chief and PCG Commandant while AFP Unified Commanders, PNP Directors for Integrated Police Operation, and PCG Area Commanders will exercise supervision over the Regional and Provincial JPSCCs.

The directive also stipulates that cooperation and coordination among the AFP, PNP, and PCG complemented by collaboration and consultation with all stakeholders shall be the guiding principle in addressing peace and security concerns.

The AFP, PNP, and PCG shall work hand in hand to maintain peace and security nationwide in order to provide for a secured environment conducive for national development. (PIA-NCR)