THE Provincial Board of Negros Occidental approved the P21-million budget for the province’s anti-terrorism campaign under Task Force Buglas during its regular session on Wednesday, August 2.
The appropriation, endorsed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is intended for the programs and activities of the province’s anti-terrorism task force until the end of the year.
Second District Board Member Samson Mirhan, chairman of Provincial Board committee on disaster preparedness, said the Task Force Buglas’ programs on in-land security, coast watch, social welfare, and information drive will be covered by the appropriation.
He said the province has to be prepared for any terror threat as these people “may strike anywhere.”
Task Force Buglas was created through an executive order signed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. to ensure proper coordination of different agencies to protect the province from the threat of terrorism, crime and other lawless elements, as well as provide humanitarian assistance in times of disasters. It will also focus on educating the community and their participation in the anti-terrorism campaign.
Its task groups include anti-criminality, internal security, coast watch, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, critical infrastructures and bio-physical security, communication, and information, education and advocacy.
The task force, which is chaired by Marañon, is already readying its action plans to address terrorism threats in the province, which includes community involvement.