Written by: Alyssa Katrina B. Salomon

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX, in partnership with the 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade and through the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) IX, conducted the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Security Sustainment Planning Workshop for the Planong-Panseguridad para sa Bagong Bayang Matatag (Planong PBBM) on February 10–11, 2025, at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The primary objective of the activity was to develop the Eight Lines of Effort for the Regional Security Sustainment Plan. In his opening message, DILG IX Assistant Regional Director, Engr. Carmelo Enrique M. Libot emphasized the importance of laying down the strategic roadmap to prevent the resurgence of insurgency and effectively address other prevailing security concerns in the region.

The two-day workshop brought together representatives from the Provincial Peace and Order Councils (PPOCs) of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City POC, alongside DILG Provincial Directors and City Director.

Key resource persons include Col. Eddie M. Pilapil, INF (MNSA) PA – 102nd Infantry Brigade, Ms. Loreta E. Lapad – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) IX, Col. Patricio S. Tomales – 9th Regional Community Defense Group (9RCDG), MGen. Rene Glen O. Paje (Ret.) – Regional Peace Advisor, R9 OPAPRU, and LGOO VII Dave M. Barrot, LGMED Chief .

The workshop concluded with C/PPOCs draft Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) to support regional security efforts.

Onward to a continued insurgency-free Zamboanga Peninsula!