More soldiers and policemen will be deployed to Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Bicol region to quell “lawless violence and acts of terror” based on a new order of President Duterte.
In Memorandum Order No. 32, the President has also authorized intensified intelligence operations against persons or groups behind the acts of lawless violence as well as their prompt investigation and prosecution.
The memorandum reinforcing the guidelines for the AFP and PNP in the implementation of measures to suppress and prevent lawless violence was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea upon the orders of the President last November 22. It was released to the public Friday.
“There is a need to reinforce the directive of the President to prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction of property and bring the country back to a state of complete normalcy as quick as possible,” the order read.
“The Department of National Defense and Department of Interior and Local Government shall coordinate he additional deployment of additional forces of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) to suppress violence and acts of terror in the provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Bicol region and prevent such violence spreading and escalating elsewhere in the country,” it added.
The memorandum order cited that there has been a recent occurrence of a “number of sporadic acts of violence” committed by lawless groups in the concerned areas.
Under MO 32, the military, police and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have been directed “to intensify local and transnational intelligence operations against individuals or groups suspected of, or responsible for, conspiring to commit acts of lawless violence in the Philippines.”
The concerned authorities must also step up “the prompt investigation and prosecution of all individuals or groups apprehended for committing or conspiring to commit acts of lawless violence.”
Local government units were enjoined give their “full support and utmost cooperation” to ensure the effective implementation of the order.
The military and police have also been reminded to respect and give due regard to the constitutional rights of persons in implementation of MO 32.
“No civil or political rights are suspended during the existence of a national state of emergency on account of lawless violence,” the order read.
“In particular, the AFP and PNP are enjoined to observe existing rules and jurisprudence in instances that may justify the implementation of warrantless arrests, searches and seizures as well as ensure compliance of guidelines for police/military checkpoints and stop-and-frisk situations,” it added.
The Palace warned that any policeman or soldier violating such rights would face administrative, civil or criminal liability. (Genalyn Kabiling)
