Aklan Governor Creates TWG For Crisis Management

Kalibo, Aklan — A Technical Working Group (TWG) for the establishment of the Crisis Management Committee in the province of Aklan is now in place with the signing by Governor Carlito S. Marquez signed Executive Order No. 042 which authorized its creation.

EO No. 042 was signed on September 30. The Crisis Management Committee is primarily mandated to ensure the coordinated action in order to minimize danger to life, health, and property from a crisis caused by human activity or natural disaster and to effectively respond to crisis/emergency situation in Aklan.

The signing of the EO is also consistent with SP Resolution No. 2010-062 sponsored by Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo Quimpo and co-sponsored by all members of the Sang-guniang Panlalawigan entitled "A Collective Resolution requesting the DILG and the Law Enforcement Agencies under it, particularly the PNP, the Provincial Government of Aklan, all related National and Local Government Agencies, and Private Sector Oorganizations in the Province to organize a Security Crisis Management Structure to craft and implement a ready, doable, adequate and responsive security plan and protocol. It is designed to preempt and effectively respond to crisis situations involving security, very particularly focused on the tourist gateways and destinations in Aklan".

Chaired by PPSupt. Epifanio A. Bragais, Jr., Provincial Director, Aklan Police Provincial Office and Co-Chaired by Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Develop-ment Officer, the EO also identified 17 TWG members coming from the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Army, Provincial Public Safety Management Office, Provincial Health Office, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, Provincial Crime Laboratory, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Philippine Information Agency,Jetty Port Administrator, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coastguard and Auxiliaries, PNP Maritime Group, Aviation Security Group, Provincial Highway Ppatrol Group and the Provincial Legal Officer.

As to functions, the TWG will initiate and coordinate activities/meetings of TWG members, assist in organizing a security Crisis Management Committee in the province to address any crisis/emergency situations and to recommend for the approval of the Provincial Security Plan that will be implemented responsively when crisis situation occurs.

The TWG is also tasked under the EO to recommend for the approval of the proposed fund support for the Provincial SWAT Individual and Team Equipments including its training requirements and recommend for the approval of guidelines in the participation of Local Chief Executives in the established Crisis Management Committees under the Municipal Peace and Order Council.

Before the official signing of the EO to strengthen the TWG, the group already held five weekly meetings at the Aklan Police Provincial Office.

During the meetings, TWG members took turns presenting their respective functions as well as measures should a crisis arise in their area of jurisdiction.

The EO signing finally legitimize the TWG. The group will now consolidate their functions and measures to come out with the needed security plan to protect Aklan’s tourist destinations, especially Boracay Island. (by Venus G. Villanueva)