BCDA, Army boost security in New Clark City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): BCDA, Army boost security in New Clark City (By Zorayda Tecson)

AGREEMENT. Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (left), and Lawyer Aristotle B. Batuhan, officer-in-charge, president, and chief executive officer of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), sign a partnership agreement to enhance security activities in the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday (May 4, 2022). As agreed upon, the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Company II (CAA-II) of the 7ID will augment the security operations. (Photo courtesy of BCDA)

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army have partnered to enhance security cooperation in the 9,450-hectare New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division, and Lawyer Aristotle B. Batuhan, officer-in-charge, president, and chief executive officer of BCDA, signed the partnership agreement on Wednesday for the augmentation of military troops to help ensure continuous and unhampered development within the metropolis.

Augmenting the security of the New Clark City is the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Company II (CAA-II) of the 7ID.

The 7ID has been instrumental in sustaining peace within its area of responsibility in Central and Northern Luzon, successfully weakening insurgency within its areas of responsibility covering the seven provinces of Tarlac, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Aurora.

Costelo cited the importance of Build, Build, Build projects in boosting economic activity in the region.

“The security and protection of these vital infrastructures are our responsibility as the protector of peace in the community. With our collective commitment to serving the Filipino people, together we can do more," Costelo said in a statement.

Among the vital infrastructures in New Clark City are the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC), the country’s backup government operations center, and the world-class sports facilities, where events of the 2019 South East Asian Games were held.

Batuhan, for his part, cited CAA-II of the 7ID for continuously augmenting the security needs of the metropolis.

"While we recognize the existence of insurgents in our country, we give great honor to the reliability and strength of your company to deliver on the necessary peaceful force that can prevent any delays to this project,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173676