BACOLOD City – The newly appointed chairperson of the Western Visayas Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) called on member agencies to further their efforts in addressing local insurgency and illegal drugs, among others.
However, Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the need to recognize the roots of aggression and acknowledge that insurgency, drug abuse and other peace and order concerns are not only military concerns but are indicative of social, economic and historical problems.
During the RPOC’s first quarter meeting on March 21 in Iloilo City, Lacson highlighted the role of member agencies in maintaining peace and order.
“It is imperative that everyone be included in the process for the attainment of our common goals for peace and progress,” he said.
By promoting participatory governance and active participation of all sectors in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda, the government, along with its partner stakeholders, will be able to address the needs that divide the nation and the roots of conflict, explained Lacson.
Lacson also extended his invitation for the reintegration of all “brothers and sisters in conflict with the government.”
Lacson was appointed RPOC chair by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His appointment certificate was handed over by Department of Interior and Local Government regional director Juan Jovian Ingeniero on March 14.
Also during the meeting, the Police Regional Office 6 presented its deployment plan for the upcoming Lent to ensure public safety.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, on the other hand, reported that 89.83 percent of Western Visayas’ barangays have been cleared of illegal drugs.
It also reported a decline in the percentage of drug affectation – 10.17 in 2022 from 68.60 percent in 2017. (PIA-6/PN)
