In a significant display of inter-agency cooperation, the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) came together to honor exceptional police personnel during a special ceremony at Camp Martin Delgado.
Ceremony Highlights Strong Security Partnership
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, served as the guest of honor and speaker during the Monday Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony held on November 10, 2025. The event took place at Camp Martin Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City, with Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of PRO 6, leading the proceedings.
The ceremony featured prominent police officials including Deputy Regional Director for Administration Police Brigadier General Alexander Mariano and Chief of Regional Staff Police Colonel Jerome D. Afuyog Jr. Together with Major General Samson, these officials recognized police personnel who demonstrated exemplary performance in their service duties.
Military Honors for Police Contributions
During the event, Major General Samson conferred Military Merit Medals on selected personnel of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO). The awardees included the office's director, Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, who received recognition for their meritorious actions that significantly contributed to the success of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' anti-insurgency campaign in Western Visayas.
In his address, Samson emphasized the long-standing partnership between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He highlighted their shared commitment to maintaining peace, security, and public safety throughout the region.
Strengthened Collaboration Against Insurgency
"This synergy between our organizations has become a model of cooperation," Samson stated. "We have proven that true strength lies not only in numbers or firepower, but in unity of purpose and mutual trust."
The military leader expressed gratitude to PRO 6 personnel for their vital role in counter-insurgency operations that led to the weakening of communist terrorist groups in Western Visayas. He acknowledged the police force's crucial contributions to law enforcement and prosecution efforts, ensuring that those threatening regional stability face legal consequences.
"You have been our primary partners in law enforcement and prosecution, ensuring that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable under the rule of law," Samson added. "We in the Armed Forces are proud to have the PNP as our partner on every front—whether in counter-terrorism, anti-criminality, or humanitarian assistance and disaster response."
The ceremony concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to sustaining joint efforts against insurgency, criminality, and other security threats. The event underscored the continuing collaboration between the blue and green uniformed services as a lasting symbol of unity in protecting the people of Western Visayas.
