Napolcom okays activation of Community Affairs Section under PNP

File: The CAS will act as a conduit in the development, integration, and implementation of various police-community relations programs and activities in support of anti-criminality, anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism campaigns of the PNP. (PNA file photo)

MANILA — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Wednesday approved the activation of a Community Affairs Section (CAS) under the 17 Regional Mobile Force Battalions (RMFBs) and five National Capital Region District Mobile Force Battalions (NCRDMFBs) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Napolcom Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio Casurao said Resolution No. 2019-857, dated October 29, approved the activation of the section and the strengthening of the Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC) and City Mobile Force Companies (CMFC).

The CAS will act as a conduit in the development, integration, and implementation of various police-community relations programs and activities in support of anti-criminality, anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism campaigns of the PNP.

It is also responsible for facilitating counter-organization and mobilization strategies against mass organizations affected by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as well as other community programs for Internal Security Operations to overcome insurgency movements, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other concerned government agencies.

“The success of any PNP policy, program and activity always boils down to the groundwork of our police officers in building the foundation of a well-informed and well-educated community. The activation of the Community Affairs Section and the strengthening of the Provincial and City Mobile Force Companies will bridge the information gap between the police and the citizenry,” Casurao said in a statement.

The newly created section is likewise tasked to assist in the conduct of information operations and activities through the various forms of media, disseminate printed information materials about public safety, and assist in the formulation and implementation of community information and education programs of the PNP.

The Napolcom resolution also provides for the strengthening of the Provincial Mobile Force Companies and City Mobile Force Companies through the provision of additional personnel who shall perform functions relative to the implementation of police-community relations programs and activities in their areas of jurisdiction.

An additional 312 personnel who shall perform functions related to community affairs will be distributed to the different PNP Mobile Forces nationwide.