The people's loyalty keeps the border region peaceful.

With over 14 kilometers of land border and numerous trails and unofficial crossings, maintaining security and order in Ha Tien ward (An Giang province) faces many difficulties and challenges. In this context, the activities of the Mobile Civil Defense Team have made a significant contribution to ensuring local security and protecting the peace of the people.

Lieutenant Colonel Chau Van Nat, along with representatives from the Border Guard and members of the Mobile Civil Defense Team, visited people's homes to raise awareness about preventing online fraud.

Regardless of day or night, scorching sun or torrential rain, as soon as they receive information from residents needing assistance, or have content to disseminate, members of the Mobile Civil Defense Team for Crime and Social Vice Prevention along the border immediately set off.

Mr. Si Phon (Xa Xia neighborhood, Ha Tien ward), one of the first members to join the Mobile Civil Defense Team, shared that his work is meaningful to the community, so even without a salary or allowance, the team still dedicates itself wholeheartedly to maintaining peace in the village.

He recounted that initially, about 5-6 like-minded and dedicated individuals came together, under the guidance and support of law enforcement and local authorities. The common thread among the members was their prestige within the community and their deep understanding of the local area, customs, and traditions.

After operating effectively, the number of members continued to increase. The team operated with great flexibility: participating in patrols with law enforcement; visiting households to chat and disseminate legal information, informing people about the methods and tactics of criminals, especially online scams, and warning about illegal immigration; and contributing labor to the "Eliminating Temporary and Dilapidated Houses" program…

Mr. Tran Van Cheo, Head of Thach Dong neighborhood and a member of the team since its inception, said: "The members always strive to innovate the methods of propaganda so that people can easily listen, understand, and remember, helping them raise awareness, avoid crossing the border through detours or unofficial routes; not abet illegal human trafficking; and not listen to the enticements of bad people."

Many people have understood and committed to not participating in illegal human trafficking or smuggling… The Mobile Civil Defense Team model has gradually awakened a sense of self-governance, transforming each household into a “security anchor.”

Lieutenant Colonel Chau Van Nat, a police officer in the Xa Xia neighborhood (Ha Tien Ward Police), who is closely associated with the area, stated: "Currently, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting the terrain and the lack of knowledge of some people to entice them into transporting smuggled goods, drugs, or organizing illegal entry and exit, especially targeting women and children with promises of easy work and high pay. Many have fallen victim to these scams, losing money and suffering harm."

This reality demands that, in addition to the involvement of law enforcement agencies, the participation and contribution of the community itself, especially the Mobile Civil Defense Team, is needed to create a solid people's security posture. Each citizen should play the role of a "living shield," proactively detecting and preventing criminal acts at their root.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Kim Thao, Deputy Head of the Ha Tien Ward Police, due to the long border line, large ethnic minority population, and increasingly vibrant trade activities, security and order issues are becoming more complex, and crime and social vices are on the rise.

In response to this situation, in March 2021, the police of Ha Tien city (formerly Kien Giang province), now Ha Tien ward ( An Giang province), advised the local Party committee and government to develop a pilot model of a mobile civil defense team.

At that time, the Covid-19 pandemic was raging, and the activities of the Mobile Civil Defense Team proved very effective, contributing to supporting disease control.

After the Covid-19 pandemic was brought under control, the operational model of the Mobile Civil Defense Team was streamlined, shifting its focus to crime prevention, combating social evils, and maintaining security and order in border areas.

In 2025 alone, the Mobile Civil Defense Team participated in 175 community patrols with over 1,039 members; coordinated with local police forces to persuade, rehabilitate, and educate 69 individuals of various types; detected 12 instances of illegal drug use; and assisted in sending 12 individuals to compulsory drug rehabilitation.

The mobile civil defense team participated in 472 propaganda sessions at self-governing community group meetings, and hundreds of direct propaganda sessions at households…

Mr. Pham Khac Phara, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ha Tien Ward, noted: "Most of the team members are ethnic minorities. Knowing their language, understanding their customs and traditions, and also understanding the law will make them more effective in disseminating information to the people."

The mobile civil defense team not only provides excellent support to the police force but also fosters consensus and active participation from the people in maintaining security and order at the grassroots level.

The People's Committee of Ha Tien Ward will continue to focus on strengthening and researching the expansion of the model. A representative from the Ha Tien Ward Police said they will continue to advise the Ward Party Committee and People's Committee to review, compile a list, and encourage reputable, enthusiastic, and active individuals to participate.

Text and photos: THANH NAM

Source: https://nhandan.vn/long-dan-giu-yen-vung-bien-gioi-post940526.html