By Nilda T. Delos Reyes
LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN, Philippines — Demonstrating Basilan’s unwavering spirit of unity, resilience, and collective action, the 1101st Infantry (Gagandilan) Brigade of the Philippine Army spearheaded a successful Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operations Exercise (IA-TDO) 2026 recently.
This large-scale activity brought together various provincial and local government agencies across key areas of the province, showcasing the power of coordinated efforts in ensuring security and disaster preparedness.
The exercise kicked off at the Basilan Government Center in Barangay Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, where participating agencies demonstrated their ability to work seamlessly together in responding to complex security and emergency scenarios. The program highlighted the importance of synchronized planning, rapid decision-making, and operational coordination among military, police, disaster response, health, and social service agencies.
Participants engaged in a series of specialized drills designed to test and enhance their operational readiness:
The first was the Coastal Defense and Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NCEO) at Barangay Buli-Buli, Sumisip, led by the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) in partnership with the Municipal Government of Sumisip. This was followed by Area Defense and NCEO at Barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper, Tipo-Tipo, conducted by the 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB) alongside the Municipal Government of Tipo-Tipo.
Meanwhile, Urban Combat Operations and NCEO were also conducted in Lamitan City, complemented by airborne insertion exercises, to simulate real-time urban crisis response and inter-agency interoperability.
These activities emphasized the importance of multi-agency cooperation in various terrains and scenarios, ensuring readiness for any eventuality.
The exercise was made successful through the active participation of a broad spectrum of agencies, including the Provincial Government of Basilan, Basilan Police Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard–Basilan Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Department of Information and Communications Technology–Basilan, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Integrated Provincial Health Office, Provincial Legal Office, and Kabalikat Civicom.
Their collective efforts underscored the importance of integrated approaches combining security, law enforcement, disaster response, medical assistance, social services, communication, and legal support to effectively safeguard the community during crises.
Brigadier General Frederick M. Sales, Commander of the 1101st Infantry (Gagandilan) Brigade, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all participating agencies, units, local officials, responders, and stakeholders. He highlighted that the exercise was not just a demonstration of operational capability but a vital learning platform to identify gaps, strengthen coordination, and build confidence among responders.
Governor Mujiv S. Hataman reaffirmed his commitment to active partnership in maintaining peace and security, emphasizing that a peaceful province paves the way for development and improved quality of life for Basilan’s residents.
The event was also graced by Major General Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division, who commended everyone’s dedication and teamwork. He stressed that the true value of the exercise lies in the lessons learned, the gaps identified, and the partnerships strengthened.
The successful IA-TDO 2026 exercise reaffirms Basilan’s unwavering commitment to preparedness and resilience. It sends a clear message: in times of challenge, Basilan’s government agencies, security forces, responders, and communities stand united—ready to work together, coordinate seamlessly, and protect the people.
As the province continues to grow and develop, its collective spirit remains its strongest asset ensuring a safer, more secure Basilan for generations to come. (JPA/NDR/PIA Basilan with reports from 1101st Gagandilan Brigade.)
