THE Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion and the Municipal Government of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur organized the Barangay Defense System (BDS) to address threats by New People's Army (NPA) rebels and other lawless groups.

The BDS in Dumingag was organized last week by the 53IB's Bravo Company headed by First Lieutenant Neil Kim Garcia.

Garcia said the BDS aims to strengthen the security of each village to counter any presence of NPA rebels, and to counter threats of terrorism and insurgency.

Dumingag, which comprises 44 villages, is a second-class municipality in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, with a population of 47,485 as of the 2015 census.

Garcia said the BDS will function as the first responder at the village for peace and security efforts.

Each member of the BDS underwent training on how to respond to different kinds of threats, and at the same time gather awareness on proper coordination with government security forces.

Dumingag Mayor Joan Abejuela said each BDS member received a certificate of completion as proof of honor and dignity for their power and responsibility as cooperative citizens of their villages. (SunStar Zamboanga)