The Regional Peace and Order Council in the Zamboanga Peninsula (RPOC-9) has formally thrown its support behind a major military-led initiative designed to bolster regional security and disaster preparedness.
Council Endorses 'Kalasag Zampen' Exercise
During its first quarterly meeting for the year on Monday, January 12, 2026, the council, led by Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso, adopted a resolution endorsing the Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operations Exercise (IATDOE). The exercise is officially branded as "Kalasag Zampen."
The 102nd Infantry Brigade (102Bde) of the Philippine Army, the proponent of the exercise, confirmed the council's approval in a statement released on Tuesday, January 13. The resolution explicitly supports conducting the IATDOE at both provincial and regional levels throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Phased Rollout Across the Region
The council's action recognizes the successful completion of the first-ever provincial-level exercise, which was held on December 12, 2025, on Igat Island in Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur. The resolution now paves the way for a series of follow-up activities.
The scheduled rollout is as follows:
- Zamboanga Sibugay: February 2026
- Zamboanga del Norte: March 2026
- Regional-Level Exercise: Third Quarter of 2026, conducted simultaneously across the peninsula
The inaugural exercise in Zamboanga del Sur involved a diverse group of participants, including:
- Soldiers from the 102nd Infantry Brigade
- Police personnel
- Firefighters and health workers
- Disaster responders from six municipalities
- Local Sea Watchmen from Tabina
Strengthening a Whole-of-Government Approach
The core objective of Kalasag Zampen is to enhance inter-agency coordination, operational readiness, and the overall government response mechanism. It focuses on three critical areas: territorial defense, disaster response, and crisis management.
Furthermore, the RPOC-9 resolution calls on all concerned local government units, regional line agencies, and national government offices to extend appropriate support within their mandates. This directive reinforces a coordinated, civilian-led strategy aimed at ensuring lasting peace, security, and community resilience in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
