TARLAC CITY — Members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council-Provincial Anti-drug Abuse Council (PPOC-PADAC) recently convened to discuss matters of peace and order in Tarlac.
Tarlac Vice Governor Carlito David, who represented Governor Susan Yap, disclosed that the attendance of key government agencies during the joint meeting is an indication of their continual support in peacekeeping.
During the meeting, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Tarlac Provincial Director Belina Herman reiterated that such meetings complement President Rodrigo Duterte’s strategy in empowering the local government units against the pangs of corruption, drug abuse and criminality.
For its part, DILG Program Manager Angelo Alexis Barroga informed the council on the recently crafted Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan and the adoption of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to the POPS Plan.
DILG Cluster Head Ener P. Cambronero shed light on the top-priority programs of the DILG like the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga or MASA MASID, submission of Presidential Daily Briefers to Malacanang, and the highly-coveted Seal of Good Local Governance, which is set to commence this month.
Meanwhile, Tarlac Police Provincial Director Ritchie Medardo Posadas highlighted the notable accomplishments of Tarlac Provincial Police Office in the return of Oplan Tokhang or Double Barrel Reloaded.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Jail Officer Isabel Pantig presented the activities of BJMP such as livelihood programs, alternative learning system, infrastructure projects and anti-illegal drug campaigns.
Moreover, Acting Provincial Jail Warden Elsa Miranda noted that the facility of Tarlac Provincial Jail has significantly improved in terms of infrastructure, convenience, safety and overall inmate welfare through the initiative of the local government.
As for the Bureau of Fire Protection, Provincial Fire Marshall Mary Anthonette Buenconsejo enumerated their agency’s activities including the mandatory drug-testing activities, earthquake drills and the observance of the Fire Prevention Month.
Newly-minted Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Provincial Officer Bonifacio Craig Lomas-E, Jr., provided updates of anti-illegal drug operations in the province indicating shabu and marijuana as the top two choices of illegal substance.
Also, Efren Rodriguez of National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) informed the council of NAPOLCOM’s efforts to ensure the integrity and credibility of the police force by conducting investigations and providing adjudication services. –Trixie Joy B. Manalili