The Alpha (Arbiter) Company of the 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion provided security for the students and faculty researchers throughout the activity in the formerly conflict-affected area.
Prior to the activity, the CMU students and faculty, led by Dr. Noel E. Lagunday, PhD, faculty member of the Institute of Biological Sciences, and Rodge Danniellette A. Tan, BS Biology student representative, coordinated with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Fernando. They also worked closely with the Municipal Tourism Office, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).
In addition, Datu Tagyaman Sinangkap, Barangay IPMR, and Bae Layden Esteban, Barangay Tribal Chieftain, conducted a tribal ritual for the success of the research study.
In his message, Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke lauded the students for coordinating with the LGU before conducting their activity at Mount Malimumu. He noted that the area was previously used as a guerrilla base by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) – New People’s Army, but has since been declared cleared of CTG influence.
“Any activity conducted in the area must be properly documented and coordinated as part of the municipality’s Executive Order No. 049, otherwise known as the ‘Culture of Security,’” Mayor Yeke said.
Lieutenant Colonel Antonio G. Bulao I, Commander of the 89th Infantry Battalion, stated that the unit is always ready to provide security assistance to any individual or organization conducting research or activities in formerly conflict-affected areas.
“Our mandate is to protect the people from the threat of terrorism. This activity is a good example of effective coordination among the academic sector, the local government unit, the Indigenous Cultural Community, and the security sector,” Lt. Col. Bulao added.