The two-day joint interagency and interoperability exercise gathered the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, disaster response units, local government offices, and partner stakeholders in a large-scale simulation focused on External Security Operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response.
Led by the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry “Steady On” Battalion in coordination with the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the provincial government, the exercise demonstrated synchronized emergency response operations amid simulated maritime threats, evacuation procedures, and humanitarian emergencies.
Governor Oaminal, who also serves as Battalion Commander of the 903rd Misamis Occidental Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion, said the activity reflects the province’s continuing efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of every Misamisnon.
“As leaders and public servants, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that every Misamisnon feels secure in their homes, communities, schools, workplaces, and public spaces,” Oaminal said.
The governor emphasized that strengthening security preparedness and disaster response mechanisms remains aligned with his administration’s 5Ms (Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, Malipayon) development agenda, particularly in promoting a peaceful, orderly, and disaster-resilient province capable of responding effectively to emerging threats and emergencies.
Among the highlights of the exercise were maritime security simulations at San Vicente Bajo Port and evacuation and relief response operations at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletic Complex (MOPAC). Participating agencies demonstrated coordinated operational capabilities in addressing armed threats, rescue scenarios,and humanitarian crises.
Governor Oaminal also personally inspected key military and defense assets deployed during the activity, including the M113A2 armored personnel carrier equipped with a remote-controlled weapon system, Simba fighting vehicles, and a 105mm howitzer, underscoring the province’s support for enhanced defense and emergency readiness.
Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., Commander of Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN, Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez, provincial officials, local chief executives, and security sector leaders also attended the event.
Lt. Col. Nelson Boticario, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, said the exercise served not only as a venue for capability enhancement but also as proof of the strong partnership among government agencies in protecting communities.
Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal (front row, center) with representatives from military, law enforcement and civil defense agencies, as well as local governments units at the two-day joint interagency and interoperability exercise Oplan Sagang Misamisnon 01-2026. Photo: VG Wheng Gutierrez/Facebook