CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — Heightened awareness of the public is important in aiding security forces deal with the present maritime challenges and external threats, the Philippine Army (PA) in Calabarzon has said.
Thus, PA Region 4A is calling on citizens and government agencies to stay alert to maritime challenges and external threats, stressing the urgent need for heightened awareness and collective vigilance to safeguard national security.
Brig. Gen. Ronald Jess Alcudia, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that beyond internal security threats, it is crucial for residents and government agencies to stay informed about these emerging issues, such as the West Philippine Sea dispute.
“When it comes to peace and security, the perspective is always internal—criminality, insurgency. So parang walang perspective on what the external threats and maritime challenges that we are facing,” Alcudia told members of the Regional Development Council during a sectoral committee meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13.
He stressed that Calabarzon is not exempt from these threats, as the region is surrounded by the eastern, western, and southern seaboards, where the Verde Island Passage is also located, making it strategically vulnerable.
Citing reports of recovered drones and unauthorized research vessels along the eastern seaboard, he underscored the importance of monitoring external threats, saying that their presence is already manifesting within the country.
“Kailangan natin tingnan yung mga external threats, at may mga manifestation na ito sa loob. Ang pinakamahusay na panangga natin diyan ay awareness.”
Apart from maritime concerns, Alcudia also warned government agencies and local government units to be cautious of subversive activities, which he described as “alarming.”
These include foreign entry into critical industries, foreign investments in key infrastructure and projects, partnerships with foreign local governments through sister-cityhood and safe-city initiatives, and research grants to higher education institutions.
He warned that such activities could expose critical information and be used for environmental social scanning. While acknowledging the benefits of sister-city agreements, he cautioned that such partnerships pose risks, particularly in terms of security.
“Calabarzon is the second-largest contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product. Given our economic standing, they are trying to infiltrate us through our information environment, economy, culture, and research,” Alcudia explained.
He added that crime syndicates are also being used to weaken the social fabric and disrupt the country’s peace and order situation.
Alcudia also called on Filipinos to unite as one nation in defending the country’s territory for future generations.
“We need to end our internal conflicts and unite as a people and as a nation. Together, we must channel our energies, patriotic fervor, and limited resources to defend our territory and sovereignty for future generations of Filipinos.”
The RDC’s Sectoral Committee on Macroeconomy and Development Administration supports the call and hopes to include more discussions on maritime challenges and external threats in its succeeding meetings. (FC, PIA4A)
