THE government security forces, local government units, and community-based security groups have demonstrated a unified approach to protecting the coastal areas of Sulu during an Inter-Agency Coastal Defense Operations exercise, the military said Friday, August 21, 2026.
The activity, held Wednesday, August 19, at Allayon Port in Luuk, Sulu, showcased how various government agencies and local stakeholders can integrate their respective capabilities under a unified command-and-control structure to detect, respond to, and address potential threats approaching from the sea and prevent their movement toward coastal communities.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade said that during the demonstration, the participating units synchronized their maritime surveillance, coastal security, ground maneuver, fire support, explosive ordnance response, and community-based monitoring capabilities.
“The scenario highlighted the importance of timely information sharing, coordinated decision-making, and the complementary employment of each agency’s capabilities in securing the coastline,” the 1102Bde said, adding: “the exercise demonstrated that coastal defense is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the military.”
The 1102Bde said the active participation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), local government, Bantay Dagat, and barangay peacekeeping personnel underscored the vital role of civilian agencies and coastal communities as partners in maintaining maritime security and territorial defense.
Luuk Mayor Al-Makram Arbison said the exercise demonstrated how local governments and communities can actively contribute to the broader effort of protecting the municipality and its coastal areas.
“Our coastal communities are among the first to observe activities within our waters, which makes their participation essential to our collective security,” Luuk said in a statement.
“Through close coordination among the LGU, our security forces, partner agencies, and our people, we are strengthening Luuk’s preparedness and ensuring that everyone understands their role in protecting our communities and our coastline,” he added.
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, 1102Bde, emphasized that effective coastal defense requires the seamless integration of military, law enforcement, maritime, local government, and community capabilities.
“The strength of our coastal defense lies not only in our individual capabilities, but in our ability to operate as one,” Delos Santos said in a separate statement.
“Through a unified command, shared situational awareness, and close coordination among our partner agencies and communities, we are building a more responsive and resilient defense posture along the coast of Sulu,” Delos Santos added.
The activity formed part of the Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operations Exercise (IA-TDOX) Oplan “Ayaran Lupahsug” 01-2026, designed to strengthen interoperability and collective preparedness among government agencies and local stakeholders in responding to emerging security challenges.
The other participants of the exercise include 21st Infantry Battalion; 2nd Sulu Provincial Mobile Force Company; 12th Cavalry; Charlie Battery, 11th Field Artillery Battalion; 37th Explosive and Ordnance Demolition Team; Tactical Operations Station–Jolo; Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams of Luuk; and, the Tulayan village council. (SunStar Zamboanga)