Philippine Armed Forces different response towards different communists insurgents in the Island of Panay a comparative study on the 47th Infantry Battalion and 32nd Civil Relations Unit

Abstract

Communist insurgency is one of the most long withstanding national security problem in the Philippines. There has been no ebb in the counter insurgency measures of the government since the Marcos regime to the present. However, the changes in the communist organization brought about institutional changes on the military’s part. In the current counterinsurgency operations by the armed forces units, there is now an emphasis on unarmed approaches such as civil-military operations, propaganda, psychological warfare and socio-civic activities, instead of just solely conducting armed approaches. Linkages, coordination and collaboration with the local government units in promoting development became significant elements in counterinsurgency operations. This paper examines the different kinds of approaches undertaken by the 47th Infantry Battalion at Calinog, Iloilo and the Civil Relation Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) in Camp Delgado, Iloilo City toward communist insurgents. The 47th IB and the 32nd CRU are currently conducting a triad approach in the counterinsurgency operations. This triad approach includes combat operations, intelligence and socio-civic operations. In delegating the command from commanding officer to the operating units, the chain of command is well observed and followed. In addressing the insurgency problem, the AFP units have high regards toward local government authorities. Education, training and years in service as well as coordination and cooperation with local civil counterparts affect their competence in operations undertaken.