Phil-US military’s media center opens in Zamboanga City

By Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Philippine and US militaries have set up a media center inside the Western Mindanao Command here.

Captain Robert Gusentine, commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTFP), said the center's immediate goal would be “to provide media a home inside the base,” and, in the future, establish connection with the “upcoming AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] national plan for peace and security.”

The media center is a one-room building inside the Wesmincom headquarters here.

“With the forthcoming AFP news approach to peace in Mindanao, you will see a lot more information provided proactively. It will also provide an outlet to meet together. (This center will serve as ) work center, work stations and for media to gain interviews,” he added.

Brigadier General Gerardo Layug, deputy commander of the Western Mindanao Command, attended the inauguration of the media center on Monday night, but could not say anything about the AFP's new national plan.

“I am not aware of it,” he said.

He said the media center was established to “keep the public informed through the media and make access to information easier for media.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20101117-303793/Phil-US-militarys-media-center-opens-in-Zamboanga-City