53IB Provides Security Updates in Dimataling, ZDS Municipal Peace and Order Council Meeting

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB) attended the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting initiated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur on February 9, 2021.

53IB Commander Lt. Col Jo-ar Herrera presented current security updates on the unit’s Area of Operations under 53IB.

Lt. Col Herrera also emphasized the essence of prevention to counter communist propaganda, saying that today’s youths are vulnerable sectors in society.

Lt. Col Herrera informed the municipal officials about its initiative to reach for the youth regarding communist recruitment. “We published a book entitled “BREAKING FREE” (from Communist deception) as part of its strategy to equip and empower the youth about the CPP-NPA terrorist organization to prevent radicalization.,” Lt. Col. Herrera said.

“Sharing the book will also form part of our campaign to end Local Communist Armed-Conflict. Anyone with equipped knowledge and information, won’t be easily recruited by the CPP-NPA,” Lt. Col. Herrera added.

Written by Leah Agonoy, a Pagadian-based journalist, and  Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the “BREAKING FREE” book highlights eye-opening narratives of actual accounts of young people’s fateful journeys who were once deceived but were able to break free from the shadows of communist deceptions in the Zamboanga Peninsula.