The Area Task Force of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement returns to Manila after a successful public information campaign in Davao. The Task Force headed by Undersecretary Zosimo Jesus Paredes II addressed key issues that have raised adverse opinions and criticisms by left-wing and militant groups in Mindanao on the conduct of military exercises in different areas in Mindanao.

Davao was the springboard for the extensive dissemination of information, which kicked off Saturday, 04 September to quell public clamor and correct misconceptions on the presence of US military forces in Mindanao. While Davao remains as the central and most progressive city in the South, it is also the cradle of influential left wing and militant groups lobbying against the VFA. Left-wing groups from Davao swayed public opinion in Mindanao on the conduct of the recent RP-US military exercise Balance Piston in Carmen, North Cotobato.

The Mutual Defense Treaty sanctioned activity Baker Piston (BP) 04-2 commenced its 4-week training in Davao and Baguio on 30 August 2004. This Counter-Narcoterrorism training amongst USDEA, the AFP, PNP and PDEA is the first Inter-Agency activity held under the Visiting Forces Agreement and is aimed towards teaching Filipino law enforcers new techniques to win the battle against illicit drugs. A purely classroom instruction, the course consists of combat lifesaver, instructor training course, military decision making process, intelligence preparation of battlespace, and evidence identification and preservation.

“The Philippines remains a strong ally of not only the United States but every country that has declared war against terror and any activity and organization supporting terrorist acts. The Visiting Forces Agreement works as a tool in intensifying RP-US relations as evidenced in both country’s robust military alliance in maintaining security in East Asia but also operates as a dynamic instrument to embolden both country’s cooperation in fighting drug trade that provide funds for terrorist activities. This Anti-Narcoterrorism Training indicates the continued commitment of the United States to the Philippines in helping us fight every form of terrorism in our country ” Undersecretary Paredes said.

Drug trade is a multi-million business and has been linked to funding terrorists and terrorist activities. Methampetamine Hydrochloride (shabu) and Marijuna are smuggled into Baguio and Davao, which serves as a landing point of these drugs in their respective regions.