At the Whole-People Border Defense Festival in Pa Tan commune, Sin Ho district, Lai Chau province, we witnessed meaningful community engagement efforts led by the Pa Tan Border Post. Lieutenant Colonel Vu Duc Phuong, the unit’s Political Commissar, highlighted that despite economic challenges, border security and social order remain stable, largely due to comprehensive legal education initiatives.
Pa Tan commune, bordering China along a 13km stretch, includes Long Thang and Nam Tan Mong 1, two key border villages. Under Directive No.01/CT-TTg (2015-2025) on public participation in border sovereignty protection, the border post has actively collaborated with local authorities to promote the Law on National Border, the Vietnam Border Guard Law, and regulations on national sovereignty. So far, they have conducted over 370 sessions for 23,800 participants and organized 22 legal education programs for nearly 1,900 teachers, students, and parents.
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Officers of Pa Tan Border Post under the Lai Chau provincial Border Guard Command guide locals on socio-economic development initiatives. |
Officers have also educated locals on national policies, local regulations, and border agreements with China, significantly improving legal awareness among officials, soldiers, and the local population.
Beyond legal education, the border post works closely with local authorities to patrol border markers, prevent violations of the Vietnam-China Border Management Agreement, and strengthen self-governing security groups. Their efforts have led to the voluntary surrender of 190 homemade firearms, deterred hundreds of illegal border crossings, and helped locals provide over 590 intelligence reports, 370 of which were highly valuable, resulting in the arrest of 65 offenders in 43 cases.
Local resident Lu Thi Canh from Pa Tan 3 village shared that, thanks to the border guard force’s guidance, we understand the dangers of drug trafficking and the importance of protecting our border. Crime rates have dropped significantly, and local people now feel safer focusing on work and economic development.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Vu Duc Phuong, the border post operates under the principle of Party leadership, government management, and close integration between security efforts and socio-economic development programs. Moving forward, the Pa Tan Border Post will continue legal education efforts, monitor local developments, and promote poverty alleviation initiatives to improve livelihoods.
Senior Colonel Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Political Commissar of the Lai Chau provincial Border Guard Command, emphasized that the Provincial Border Guard Command will ensure that Pa Tan Border Post effectively fulfills its mission. The focus will be on advising local authorities on economic development, poverty reduction, crime prevention, and long-term border security to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Translated by Song Anh