Together with the people, we will safeguard the border.

As March arrives, along the southwestern border of our country, soldiers in green uniforms proudly look forward to the Traditional Day of the Border Guard Force (March 3rd) and the National Border Guard Day. At every border marker and along every patrol route, their green uniforms steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty and border security.

The Tịnh Biên International Border Gate Border Guard Station presents Tet gifts to the children adopted by the border guard station. Photo: THU OANH

Colonel Pham Van Thang, Deputy Commander of the Provincial Military Command and Commander of the Provincial Border Guard Command, acknowledged: “The year 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges. Territorial sovereignty, political security, and social order and safety in border areas are fundamentally maintained, but cross-border crimes, smuggling, commercial fraud, and illegal entry and exit remain complex and potentially problematic; hostile forces are increasing their subversive activities, especially during holidays, festivals, and important political events.”

These assessments are not just on paper but are verified by tireless patrol work. In 2025, the border guard force organized 6,365 patrol teams, with more than 50,000 officers and soldiers participating. These included night shifts, sea patrols in strong winds and high waves; and days with scorching sun, their shirts soaked with sweat, but the soldiers' steps never slowed down. "We determined that we must grasp the situation early and from afar; provide timely advice to superiors and local authorities, and avoid being caught off guard in any situation," Colonel Pham Van Thang emphasized.

Alongside patrols and inspections, the Border Guard of the province waged a silent but fierce fight against crime. In 2025, the border guard force detected and handled 422 cases involving 1,144 individuals; seized over 22 kg of various types of drugs, hundreds of kg of firecrackers, and many related exhibits; and imposed administrative penalties in nearly 400 cases, totaling over 9 billion VND.

At border checkpoints, maintaining peace and security is not just about checkpoints and document checks. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Phat Anh, Political Officer of the Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station, recounts how the awareness campaigns at community cultural centers attract the attention of local people. “In 2025, the unit will coordinate hundreds of awareness sessions with tens of thousands of attendees; distribute 3,000 leaflets; and encourage people not to go to Cambodia for ‘easy work with high pay’ or participate in illegal activities. When people understand and trust us, they will join us in protecting the border,” said Lieutenant Colonel Phat. From these simple conversations, the people's trust is built day by day. Many valuable pieces of information originate from the people, helping the forces to promptly prevent violations at the grassroots level.

In the border ward of Ha Tien, the story of border guards is heartwarming and close to the people. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Tan Duong, Commander of the Ha Tien International Border Gate Border Guard Station, mentioned the "Borderland Compassion Support" model, emphasizing the importance of protecting the land and sea while simultaneously maintaining the people's trust. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive monthly support for their education from the unit. Elderly people living alone are cared for and looked after. The "Spring Border Guard Program: Warming the Hearts of the People" and the National Border Guard Day celebrations see border guards distributing hundreds of gifts to the people, contributing to the connection between border communities and the green uniforms of the soldiers.

In 2026, the demands of the mission will continue to be higher. According to Colonel Doan Dinh Tranh, Deputy Political Commissar of the Provincial Border Guard Command, the unit will strictly maintain the combat readiness duty regime; ensure absolute security and safety for important political events; and make thorough preparations for training and receiving new recruits. “We will focus on organizing the National Border Guard Day well; simultaneously deploying comprehensive professional measures, proactively establishing special cases, and combating all types of crime, especially drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and smuggling. Along with that, we will effectively carry out border guard diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy; maintain twinning activities between border communities, and exchange visits during holidays and festivals, contributing to building a peaceful and friendly border…”, Colonel Doan Dinh Tranh affirmed.

THU OANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cung-dan-giu-vung-bien-cuong-a478252.html