• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion is establishing an Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) in Barangay Cruz, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, which is aimed at sustaining peace, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, 79IB commander, explained that ITDS is a localized security framework that empowers barangay leaders and residents to actively participate in peacekeeping and early threat detection.
This comes after remnants of the New People’s Army in northern Negros went on a killing spree, especially in hinterlands of Calatrava and neighboring Toboso town, victimizing civilians they accused as military informants.
“Through the Integrated Territorial Defense System, we are helping communities become peacebuilders and partners in security. Together, we can make Calatrava safer and stronger,” Alfonso said in a statement issued by 79IB.
On July 27, the 79IB held a dialogue with Barangay Cruz officials and residents, to secure their support in promoting peace in their community.
Barangay Captain Crisantac Agravante expressed her support and appreciation for the Army’s peace building efforts, according to the 79IB.
During the dialogue, Major Jestoni Labarosa, 79IB executive officer, and 1Lt Ariel De Guzman, 79IB Bravo Company commander, emphasized the importance of community collaboration in sustaining peace, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
On the other hand, a total of 562 residents of Brgy. Budlasan in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, have been recipients of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Serbisyo Caravan, which was jointly initiated by the 62nd Infantry Battalion Charlie Company, and partner agencies, including the local government unit, on Aug. 4.
The RCSP caravan offered a wide range of services including medical consultations with free medicine, legal assistance, counseling, agricultural support, enlistment for proposed farm-to-market road projects, distribution of E-Titles, and issuance of certificates of condonation and release of mortgage. Residents also received food packs, and an information drive was conducted.
The 62IB also extended free haircut services to the barangay residents, and distributed informational leaflets to promote awareness of ongoing peace and development initiatives.
The initiative, according to 62IB, underscores its commitment, not only to maintaining peace and order, but also to addressing the fundamental needs of communities.*
