Zamboanga Sibugay territorial defense, disaster readiness efforts gain Palace backing

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

Philstar.com

August 11, 2026 | 11:42am

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines — Malacañang said it is fully supporting efforts to strengthen territorial defense and disaster preparedness in the Zamboanga Peninsula. 

This, as government agencies, local government units and security forces launched the KALASAG–Zamboanga Peninsula Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operation Exercise on Monday, August 10.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr., who led the opening of the exercise, conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appreciation to the participating agencies and personnel. 

He emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency coordination amid evolving security and disaster-related challenges.

Lagdameo added that the exercise comes at a critical time as the Zamboanga Peninsula continues to strengthen its gains in peace and internal security while preparing for a broader range of potential threats.

“KALASAG-Sibugay comes at an important point in our security efforts in the Zamboanga Peninsula. This means strengthening our territorial defense and making sure we are ready for challenges that may come not only from within but also from beyond our borders,” Lagdameo said.

The exercise is designed to test the readiness of government institutions to respond to external threats, protect communities and critical infrastructure, sustain government operations during crises, and ensure public safety.

Lagdameo stressed that responding effectively to emerging threats requires close coordination among government agencies, local authorities, and the security sector.

“No single agency or sector can answer these questions alone. This is why inter-agency coordination is at the heart of KALASAG-Sibugay,” he said.

He also underscored that preparedness goes beyond the capabilities of security forces, noting the importance of keeping government services operational, providing accurate and timely information, and protecting civilians during emergencies.

Following the exercise’s opening, Lagdameo met with security officials, Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Ann Hofer, and other local officials during a Security Executive Briefing and luncheon. Discussions focused on the region’s security situation and measures to further strengthen coordination between national and local government authorities.

The KALASAG–Zamboanga Peninsula Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operation Exercise is part of the national government’s continuing efforts to enhance territorial defense, disaster preparedness, and whole-of-government coordination, with the goal of keeping communities resilient and government institutions prepared to respond to emerging security and emergency challenges. (Contributed story)