Army uses mobile audio-visual system vs. insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 26, 2021): Army uses mobile audio-visual system vs. insurgency (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

MOBILE INFO SYSTEM. The mobile audio-visual system or MAVS of the Philippine Army’s 14th Civil-Military Operations shows videos of former rebels in Barangay Linaon, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. This undated photo shows the MAVs on board a military truck and traveling to barangays in Cauayan and Hinobaan towns benefiting from the Army’s community support program. (Photo courtesy of 14th CMO Battalion)

The Philippine Army’s 14th Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion has stepped up its anti-insurgency campaign through the deployment of a mobile audio-visual system (MAVS) in various rural communities.

In Negros Occidental, the unit has assembled the first of the three MAVS on board a four-wheel drive military truck.

Maj. Arturo Dumalagan, commanding officer of the 14th CMO based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said on Friday since they launched the initiative earlier this month, the mobile facility has been traveling to barangays in Cauayan and Hinobaan towns benefiting from the Army’s community support program.

“This innovation will address the need to dominate the information environment, especially in communities mostly affected by the false information fed to them by the left-leaning organizations allied with the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front,” Dumalagan said.

Two other MAVS will soon be deployed to Cebu and Iloilo once the procurement and installation are completed.

He said part of the audio-visual equipment has been donated by private firms and fraternity groups supporting the thrust of the 14th CMO Battalion.

“This will also help boost the operations of the brigades under the Joint Task Force Spear of the 3rd Infantry Division as we now have the equipment to fulfill the multi-roles of the army in the field,” he added.

Dumalagan said they initially used the mobile loudspeaker system but eventually saw the need to also show videos to the people in the communities.

“We are showing the recorded interviews of former rebels to raise awareness among the youth, especially minors, who are targets for CPP-NPA recruitment,” he said.

The MAVS is considered as a highly maneuverable CMO equipment that can be used up to the farthest areas that can be reached by the military truck.

In August last year, the 14th CMO, or “Voice of Peace” Battalion, was awarded the plaque of recognition for Best CMO Battalion of the Year for 2020.

It was cited for its “outstanding performance for both administrative and operation matters that greatly contributed to the significant accomplishment of the CMO Regiment mission in pursuing the ‘winning hearts, winning minds’ core purpose through unwavering commitment in service.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131996