PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PHIVIDEC-IA) and the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on March 11, 2024 to create the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units Active Auxiliary (CAA-II) as well as its subsequent deployment for heightened security within Phividec estate.
In his speech, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, stressed the importance of this pact.
“The Memorandum of Agreement for the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units Active Auxiliary (CAAII), heralds a new chapter of unity, and protection as PHIVIDEC stands as the beacon of industry in the Misamis Oriental,” said Major General Cuerpo.
This event represents a tipping point in efforts to protect the area from possible threats as stated in National Intelligence Coordinating Agency’s threat assessment.
This cooperation is not only figurative but also serves practical response to an increased demand for security enhancement measures. Therefore, what forms MOA are conditions and terms binding PHIVIDEC-IA and AFP into mutually beneficial partnership. Its term is three years with an option for another threeyear extension.
The MOA’s one key provision looks at CAA-II personnel benefits including safety guarantee as well as recognition due to their role in ensuring the industrial landscape’s security in this region.
Under MOA, the AFP is responsible for training and arming CAA-II personnel who are working directly under its jurisdiction. It underscores the commitment of armed forces towards empowering civilian auxiliary force players who can aid regional security effectively; hence military-civilian collaboration implies participatory resilience against probable threats.
Administrator/CEO – PHIVIDEC-IA, Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo extended his thankfulness for the support of the 4th Infantry Division led by Major General Cuerpo, and disclosed that “The collaboration between our army and civilian authority is not just a partnership. It is a testament to the resilience and unity, together they form an unwavering shield, ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of our great nation.”
Together, they serve as an unbreakable wall of safety, security, and prosperity in a country. The MOA- embodied collaborative efforts go beyond mere bureaucracy; rather they stand for collective commitment toward constructing a resilient defense infrastructure capable of adapting to changing circumstances in the area. (JME/OBI)
