ZAMBOANGA CITY ? The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) announced on Thursday that it is reinforcing its forces to assist police in maintaining peace and order.

The move to deploy additional military forces in the city was discussed by Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Westmincom chief, during his visit on Wednesday to Camp Gen. Arturo Enrile that houses the military’s Task Force Zamboanga.

Westmincom said additional military forces, the number of which was not specified, will be assigned to major checkpoints in the outskirts of Zamboanga City.

“This move aims to support the local police forces in addressing current security concerns, as highlighted by Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe,” the Westmincom said in a statement.

Zamboanga City has requested the military, through a resolution, to help them address shooting incidents by deploying military personnel in checkpoints, roving and foot patrols within the seven-kilometer radius of the city with the local police force.

The resolution was approved during the special meeting of the CPOC on February 8.

Zamboanga City's council said eight shooting incidents had taken place since January, the latest of which was on February 7 in Tetuan that killed three individuals. DMS