The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are reinforcing Romblon’s hard-won insurgency-free status by leveraging the unique strengths of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).
These community-based personnel play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security throughout the province.
During the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Calapan City on March 18, Deputy Brigade Commander, Col. Eric Guevarra of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, underscored the importance of continuous vigilance in Romblon, declared insurgency-free in February 2019. To sustain this achievement, the AFP has strategically deployed CAFGU personnel, who bring invaluable local knowledge and community connections to the province’s security framework.
Unlike traditional military deployments, CAFGU members are deeply embedded within their communities. They contribute to intelligence gathering by leveraging local insights, conduct regular community patrols to deter potential threats, and actively participate in peacekeeping activities. This integration fosters trust and strengthens the bond between security forces and residents, creating a more effective and responsive security network.
Guevarra also highlighted the significant contributions of military reservists, who actively engage in government programs, particularly in disaster response, community outreach, and local development initiatives. This multi-faceted approach ensures that security efforts are intertwined with the broader well-being of the community.
Police Brigadier General Martin Defensor, Jr., Deputy Regional Director for Administration of Police Regional Office MIMAROPA, reassured that while Romblon remains peaceful, the PNP maintains a proactive stance against any potential security risks. He cited a 31.71 percent decrease in total crime incidents in MIMAROPA since January 2024, attributing this success to heightened police visibility, effective intelligence operations, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Regional Director Pedro Gabayan of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) MIMAROPA further emphasized the critical role of public cooperation. He urged residents to report any suspicious activity, highlighting that community vigilance is paramount in safeguarding Romblon’s insurgency-free status.
As of March 2025, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan stand as testaments to the government’s successful counterinsurgency efforts, achieved through a combination of strategic military operations and, importantly, the active participation of community-based forces like the CAFGU. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
