Sustain operations boosts to win peace in Zamboanga del Sur

To further sustain their convergence efforts, the Commanding Officer of Army’s 549th Engineer “Kapayapaan” Battalion (549EBn) paid an informal visit to the Commanding Officer of 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion on November 8, 2020 at 53rd IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

549EBn Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Lorvina Lamug was apprised by 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera of the unit’s thrusts in its pursuit and sustainment operations to win peace in Zamboanga del Sur and its area of operations (AO).

Part of the Army’s peace-sustainment efforts is the facilitation of ELCAC projecs particularly the construction of farm-to-market roads to address the issues in hinterland conflict-affected barangays exploited by Communist-NPA Terrorists such as insufficient access to basic and government services, health, education, and job opportunities, among others.

The 549EBn caters to the construction of ELCAC projects in Barangay Ocapan in San Miguel town.

In progress — through the joined efforts of the Municipal Government of San Miguel led by its mayor and MTF-ELCAC Chairperson Hon. Angelito Martinez II, 53rd IB, and 549th EBn— are the rehabilitation and concreting of Brgy Ocapan Road, construction of Barangay Ocapan Covered Court, and Barangay Site.

According to Lt. Col. Herrera, the tactical importance of these ELCAC projects are ‘game changers’ and contribute greatly to the shaping of operational environment in 53rd IB’s AO.

Lt. Col. Lamug and Lt. Col. Herrera are both proud members of Philippine Military Academy “Masikhay” Class of 1999.