Continued insurgency problems have pushed the Philippine National Police to beef up its presence in Panay Island with the deployment of two Special Action Force teams.

SAF commander Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr. said one company will be based in Dumangas, Iloilo and the other one will be placed in San Remegio, Antique.

Querol clarified that there is no insurgency problem or immediate electoral concern in Dumangas town but the area was chosen because the town has a Roll on-Roll off capability.

In case the troops will be needed in Negros Occidental, they could easily be shipped to the other island, he said.

San Remegio was deemed appropriate for SAF deployment because of the continued rebel sightings in the area.

More than a month ago, 78 members of the PNP-SAF were positioned in Capiz province to address insurgency problems in Panay Island.

They are presently based in Brgy. Manhoy, Dao, Capiz.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) VI director, explained that the deployment was part of the PNP’s internal security operations (ISO) in the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique.

SAF’s deployment was requested because of the problem on insurgency in the boundaries of Capiz and Iloilo and the hinterlands of Aklan and Antique.

Their deployment would be on top of the fielding of the Regional Public Safety Battalion and public safety companies which are also battling it out against the rebel forces in Panay and Negros Occidental.*