BOLSTERING TIES: 53IB, PNP Foster Ironclad Commitment to Sustain Peace and Security in ZamboSur

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) bolstered ties with Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) during the recently-held Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) Meeting at 53rd IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on September 21, 2021.

The meeting focused on the strategy to sustain peace and order in Zamboanga del Sur using: 53IB’s strategy which was based on Army’s 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade (102Bde) Focus Area (FocAr) Clearing and Guerilla Front Dismantling Concept; and ZSPPO’s complementing efforts in Internal Security Operations (ISO) and strategy in defeating criminal groups.

In his message, ZSPPO Provincial Director PCol. Roel Lami-ing said that the JPSCC is a solid proof for the effective and efficient approach to address peace and security concerns.

“The PNP shall complement the efforts of its AFP counterpart in sustaining the peace and order in the province. Through this JPSCC, we hope to maintain Zamboanga del Sur as a province conducive for progress and development,” said PD Lami-ing.

Meanwhile, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said the JPSCC will foster harmonious relationship between the AFP and PNP.

“Sustaining peace and order needs the concerted efforts of AFP and PNP. Thus, a harmonious relationship that addresses various gaps and challenges is necessary to sustain our efforts in maintaining Zamboanga del Sur an insurgency-free province,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

The JPSCC was also participated by the quad-staff of ZSPPO; Chiefs of Police; 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC); and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB9).

The 53IB and the ZSPPO are co-chairs of the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster of the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC). PLEDS is one of the 12 lines of efforts of ELCAC at the national, regional, provincial and municipal levels.