Firmly Safeguarding the Border

(DTO) Given its vast and complex terrain covering both land and river borders, Dong Thap faces mounting pressure in managing sovereignty and maintaining security. In response, the Provincial Border Guard Command has implemented comprehensive measures, integrating border control with socio-economic development. By fostering a strong "people’s heart" foundation, the force ensures long-term stability in the border areas amid the evolving regional landscape.

TOUGHER FIGHT AGAINST CRIME

The Dong Thap border spans over 50 km, consisting of nearly 12 km of land and over 38 km of riverine stretches. The border includes two International Border Gates, Dinh Ba and Thuong Phuoc, as well as five auxiliary gates and various trails and crossings.

The interwoven river systems and dense canal networks pose significant challenges to management efforts, while also creating favourable conditions for smuggling, trade fraud and particularly drug-related crimes.

Smuggled goods and illegal border crossings often exploit remote trails or nighttime river routes, placing considerable pressure on border guard forces.

In response to these complex developments, the Party Committee and Command of the Dong Thap Border Guard have strictly implemented higher-level directives, proactively developing targeted plans tailored to specific situations and periods.

Border guard stations have adopted flexible approaches based on local conditions, strengthening patrols and controls while effectively applying professional measures.

Close coordination between the Border Guard, police, customs authorities and local administrations has formed a unified front in crime prevention and control.

Recent operations have seen the Border Guard coordinate the arrest of five cases involving seven suspects, seizing 5.9476 grams of synthetic drugs. They also handled 37 cases involving 53 individuals, confiscating 9,610 packs of cigarettes, 2,000kg of sugar and over 1,800 cubic metres of illegally extracted sand.

Amid deepening international integration, external border affairs have been identified as a key pillar. The Dong Thap Border Guard has maintained effective bilateral patrols and regular talks with Cambodian border protection forces.

Regular information exchange and close coordination in handling incidents at grassroots level have helped prevent emerging tensions and avoid the formation of security “hotspots.”

Cooperation has deepened from joint border management to people-to-people exchanges and twinning programmes between communities on both sides of the border. 

This not only strengthens sovereignty protection but also creates favourable conditions for cross-border trade and the building of a peaceful, friendly border.

Most recently, at Dinh Ba International Border Gate, the provincial Border Guard received 164 Vietnamese citizens handed over by Cambodian authorities following intensified crackdowns on online scam operations and illegal labour.

Through screening, border guard forces identified and arrested wanted individuals, while strictly handling cases of illegal exit. The professional reception and processing demonstrated the Border Guard’s core role in border management and citizen protection.

THE PEOPLE’S ANCHOR AND THE 'HEARTS AND MINDS' FORTRESS

Beyond safeguarding boundary markers and borderlines, border guard officers and soldiers have become a familiar and trusted presence among local residents through practical actions that embody strong civil–military ties.

Over the past five years, through mobilised resources, the provincial Border Guard has contributed more than VND22 billion to social welfare programmes. These efforts have been translated into meaningful initiatives such as gratitude houses, clean water facilities and military-civilian medical clinics that remain consistently operational.

Models such as the “Rice Jar of Compassion” have provided thousands of kilograms of rice to poor households. The programme “Accompanying students to school – Border post foster children” has supported hundreds of disadvantaged students, helping them stay in school. Meanwhile, the “Border Spring – Loving Tet” initiative has brought warmth and care to underprivileged and lonely individuals during the Lunar New Year.

The greatest strength in safeguarding sovereignty lies in the people. This is clearly reflected in the movement “All people participate in protecting territorial sovereignty and border security in the new situation,” which has spread widely across the province.

To date, more than 20 self-management groups for borderlines, markers and security have been established. Local residents have effectively become “living border markers,” joining forces with border guards to protect national sovereignty.

These groups serve as the “eyes and ears” of authorities, as residents, with their deep understanding of local conditions and strong sense of responsibility, have provided timely and valuable information on violations.

Beyond protecting the border, they also act as active communicators, encouraging neighbours and relatives to comply with laws and build a civilised lifestyle in border areas.

Colonel Nguyen Van Tuan, Deputy Commander of the Dong Thap Border Guard Command, said units are intensifying efforts to closely monitor both internal and external border situations, effectively manage entry and exit at border gates, and strengthen coordination with relevant forces in patrol and control activities. The overarching goal is to firmly maintain political security and social order along the province’s border areas

Border guard soldiers, with their steadfastness, courage and compassion, continue to stand watch day and night along the nation’s frontier. For them, protecting the border means safeguarding the peaceful and happy lives of the people and preserving the territorial integrity of the nation.

By DUONG UT
Translated by X.QUANG