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Strengthening community voices: Western Mindanao Command mobilizes LGUs and youth in support of the West Philippine Sea

Strengthening community voices: Western Mindanao Command mobilizes LGUs and youth in support of the West Philippine Sea

 

March 13, 2025 – Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – The Psychological Operations Division, OJ7, successfully cascaded the ComPlan MULAT to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM). 

During the cascading, 99 participants composing of CMO units from the aforesaid command, including Joint Task-Forces (JTFs) Orion and Zampelan, and the 9 Regional Community Defense Center (9RCDG) were in attendance.


COL J-JAY T JAVINES PA, U7, WESTMINCOM, emphasized that “We need to intensify our integration of MULAT in our cognition, wherein we must first be aware of its essence for us to engage the locals, and then the Local Chief Executives (LCEs), and later the General Pubjlic. For us to be effective, it is imperative to keep in mind that awareness is not a mere compliance, it is our commitment to the nation.”


Setting the tone for the discussions, COL HERRERA PA (MNSA) presented an insightful lecture on the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Net Public Satisfaction Rating and public perception of its capability to defend the West Philippine Sea. This served as a prelude to the comprehensive presentation of ComPlan MULAT by LTC MIRADOR PA.

LTC MIRADOR emphasized the strategic significance of ComPlan MULAT, both internally and externally. Internally, it ensures AFP personnel maintain an undistorted mental state as they safeguard Philippine sovereignty in contested waters. Externally, it mobilizes local government units (LGUs), youth organizations, public and private institutions, and international stakeholders to support the campaign through localized initiatives that reinforce the country’s territorial claims. Additionally, Mr. Franz Ragpa, CivHR, provided the guidelines on managing the MULAT Media Package. He detailed the correct order of presenting audiovisual materials (AVPs) and clarified the responsibilities of units in possession of these media assets.

The afternoon session featured a hands-on Strategic Communication workshop, where participants developed action plans aimed at engaging stakeholders within their respective operational areas. These efforts align with the broader objective of fostering public support for the Philippines’ maritime and sovereign rights.

As the event concluded, COL HERRERA delivered a powerful call to action: “Remember, you are now the bearers of these narratives—our nation’s stories in the West Philippine Sea. Apply what you’ve learned to your local contexts. Innovate, and execute your MULAT efforts creatively. This initiative is the first step toward operationalizing the AFP’s Territorial Defense Operations ‘Tatag-Kapuluan,’ which will be crucial in maintaining national cohesion amid intensifying external threats of disinformation and foreign influence.”

Photo credits: SSg Toribio

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