"Di pwedeng nonchalant': Badua steps up massive info drive on West PH Sea in Mimaropa
Gaslighting and disinformation are among the biggest threats in the fight for the West Philippine Sea—and the head of the police forces in Mimaropa will not take it sitting down.
On Saturday, April 18, Mimaropa regional director Brig. Gen. Jovencio Badua, Jr. led a regionwide activity as part of an information drive to emphasize that Filipinos should not be nonchalant when it comes to the West Philippine Sea.
Dubbed as “Stride for the Tide: Kalasag-Dagat Fun Run 2026”, Badua said the activity was aimed at strengthening public awareness on the West Philippine Sea and promoting community resilience.
The activity was attended by 4,280 participants across simultaneous venues in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (Mimaropa).
“This event goes beyond a traditional wellness activity, this also serves as a platform for public engagement on issues related to sovereignty and maritime security,’ said Badua.
Conceptualized by Badua himself, Kalasag-Dagat is a flagship maritime security and community resilience designed to bridge operational efforts with public awareness.
It is anchored on an intelligence-driven framework focused on protecting coastal communities, upholding sovereign rights in the WPS and addressing emerging threats, including foreign interference and malign influence.
In this particular activity, it was attended by representatives from various police units, local government units, civil society groups and community members.
“This initiative reflects a broader shift in policing, where security efforts increasingly consider the role of the information environment in shaping public perception and national resolve,” Badua explained.
“By engaging communities, the PNP aims to strengthen resilience against misinformation and external influence that may affect both local stability and national discourse,” he added.
Badua has committed to continue implementing Kalasag-Dagat as part of a whole-of-society approach to maritime security, strengthening coordination among law enforcement, local governments and communities while promoting informed and active citizenship.