IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Governor Ann K. Hofer announced during the 3rd Quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-9 held Sept. 30, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the governors of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and the Zamboanga City government, along with representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This agreement lays the groundwork for the “Planong Pangseguridad para sa Bagong Bayang Matatag” (P-PBBM), aimed at maintaining the region’s status as an insurgency-free.
Governor Hofer emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “since we are insurgency-free, we must maintain it. Without this plan, we won’t be able to do so.”
The proposed regional security plan-P-PBBM, will address critical security, peace, and order initiatives across the region. These efforts are designed to sustain counter-insurgency gains, strengthen law enforcement, promote unity and reconciliation, and tackle socio-economic issues that fuel insurgency and conflict.
The plan also aims to prepare communities for disaster resilience and develop an indigenous land-based territorial defense force, all while positioning the Zamboanga Peninsula as a peaceful region ready to accommodate tourists and investors
In the coming months, the provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay plans to establish a province-wide communications system to facilitate seamless command and control between provincial authorities and law enforcement agencies. This system is expected to enhance situational awareness and response capabilities during operations.
Governor Hofer noted that a similar initiative has already been implemented with the Coast Guard, and efforts are underway to collaborate with other agencies, including the 102nd Brigade and the PNP, ensuring that communication systems benefit all stakeholders in Zamboanga Sibugay.
By establishing relay stations and improving local communication infrastructure, law enforcement units aim to foster better collaboration with communities and authorities, thereby enhancing security and stability in both the province and the broader region. This initiative complements the maritime communication system launched in June 2024, which is the first of its kind in the region.
Governor Hofer expressed her hope that these efforts will inspire neighboring provinces and cities to adopt similar systems, ultimately facilitating inter-local government unit (LGU) communication and reinforcing law enforcement and peacekeeping activities throughout the peninsula.
I wish for this council to know of such efforts to encourage our neighboring provinces and cities to follow soon, so eventually, the facilities of the entire peninsula will allow for seamless communication and collaboration,” she stated.
(EDT/JPA/PIA-Zamboanga Sibugay)
