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The Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) formally activated its anti-terror unit, Joint Task Force Haribon, during ceremonies at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario Saturday. EMC spokesperson, Maj. Ezra Balagtey, said Joint Task Force Haribon’s activation came amid the changing security landscape in Davao City with its emergence as the alternate seat of government and a venue for international events.

The unit will be under the operational control of EMC so air, land and sea capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be integrated to enhance the security of Davao City and its immediate peripheries, including sea lanes, from terrorism and other threats.

Balagtey said Joint Task Force Haribon will also assist the Presidential Security Group in securing the president and other very important personalities.

It will also have an expanded role and coverage as it will now control Task Force Davao and Task Group Samal as its land component, while Task Force 71, which will include the Navy Special Operations Unit of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, will comprise the task force’s naval component.

Additionally, elements from the Tactical Operations Group XI and the Special Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force will comprise its air component.

Balagtey said Joint Task Force Haribon is commanded by Brig. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, a seasoned combat officer and skilled in counter-terrorism as the former commander of the Special Forces Regiment.