PIA conducts briefing on nat’l internal security plan and protection of critical infra

In line with Executive Order No. 21 issued by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to institutionalize the internal security system at the national and local levels, the Philippine Information Agency in Negros Oriental conducted today (June 2) an orientation-briefing on the National Internal Security Plan and the campaign for the protection of Critical Infrastructures.

Attended by information officers and representatives from LGUs here, the briefing discussed how identified critical infrastructures in the province are beefing up their contingency measures in line with the government’s all-out campaign on anti-terrorism.

The government recently called on Congress to immediately enact an anti-terrorism bill, which would also give protection to human rights.

An identified critical infrastructure due to its transmission facilities, the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) has organized Bantay Liga Brigades in the province to monitor, maintain and keep watch over critical areas traversed by power lines, says Engr. Zosimo Briones, TRANSCO District 4 Department Manager.

Briones during the said briefing reported that around 12 brigades have been organized in Tanjay and Bais cities and another brigade will soon be created in Mabinay.

He said the brigades are not only trained to watch out for terrorist activities in the critical areas but also to monitor acts of pilferage, which he says, is also a form of sabotage.

Aside from this, TRANSCO’s security have been augmented by the deployment of military or PNP forces in critical substations provincewide.