CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – In support of the Campaign Plan TINABANGAY of the Area Police Command-Eastern Mindanao through the Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) and in collaboration with the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MOPPRO), and the troops of 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion took part in the send-off ceremony of the 2nd batch R-PSB at San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on March 15, 2023.
Said activity was graced by Hon. Peter M. Unabia, Provincial Governor of MisOr, represented by Hon. Bliss Francis Acain, Board Member MisOr; Dr. Enrique Guevarra, City Administrator, Gingoog City; Ms. Clevic Jabil, Mun. Administrator, Manticao; Hon. Cyril Abucay, Peace and Order Chairman of the municipality of Manticao; and Cpt. Diosdado P. Tonilon of the 41st Mechanized Company.
The R-PSB is an agent of peace and development in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs), which aims to facilitate the delivery of development packages to barangay development projects (BDP) targeted areas. The said collaboration is committed to actively participating and facilitating the delivery of basic services and making all the barangays in Misamis Oriental safe and conflict-resilient areas ready for development.
The said teams will be deployed to previous conflict-affected areas (ConAAs) to sustain the gains, maintain peace and order in vulnerable areas, and prevent the deceptive recruitment of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).
It can be recalled that the previous deployments of the RPSB teams in partnership with the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Teams (MCSSTs) of the 58th Infantry Battalion made significant contributions to the unit’s campaign against insurgency and to the deliberations of the Barangay, Municipal, and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) in the 58IB Area of Responsibilities. Thus, this resulted in a series of encounters with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTGs) and the dismantling of two (2) independent platoons and one (1) guerilla front, all under SCR-1, NCMRC.
In a statement, PCol Gonzalo C Villamor, JR, Provincial Director, MORPPO said that the robust partnership established intended to sustain the peace and development efforts in Misamis Oriental.
“When the military vacated the area, the insurgents re-entered. However, with the RPSB, we will make sure to support the military in sustaining what they have already cleared. I urge every member of the RPSB teams to do our duties with passion and commitment to serving and protecting the community. The send-off ceremony marks a major milestone in the ongoing campaign against insurgency in the province of MisOr. It is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the R-PSB and its partners to building safer, more resilient communities,” said Pol. Col. Villamor, Jr.
Moreover, Hon. Maria Margie S. Demetillo, Chairwoman Brgy. Binakalan, and Hon. Epifania Saguiway, Chairwoman Brgy. Bantaawan, Gingoog City, also participated in the initial assessment of the threat situation, background, status of the populace therein, and the sectoral groups. The involvement of local officials and community leaders in the send-off ceremony underscores the importance of cooperation in working hand in hand to sustain the harmonious and prosperous Misamis Oriental.
58IB Commanding Officer, Lt Col Christian C Uy, conveyed that this is a testament and manifestation to the commitment and dedication of the R-PSB teams, Dimalulupig troopers, and the local government agencies with the aims to build a safer environment, more resilient communities, and deter the atrocities of CTGs.
