LOOK: OIC-Governor Dr. Raul Banias presided over the joint Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) today, December 20, 2023, at the Casa Real de Iloilo Function Hall.
In attendance are 301st Brigade commander Brigadier General Michael Samson; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Iloilo provincial director IA III Jose Ramir Batuigas; Lieutenant Col. Romar Peregil who represented Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Colonel Rolando Palomo; SP Committee on Peace and Order and Safety chairperson Board Member June Mondejar; and Department of the Interior and Local Government Iloilo provincial director Engr. Carmelo Orbista.
Also present are Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas, Carles Mayor Siegfredo Betita, Liga ng mga Barangay Interim President Neptali Salcedo Jr., and concerned provincial government department heads and their representatives, among others.
In his message, Dr. Banias stressed that one of the six development goals of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. under MoRProGRes Iloilo is to maintain order and promote public safety in the province of Iloilo.
He also said that the province targets to clear the remaining 18 barangays of illegal drugs.
“I know this is possible. And it takes a lot of determined effort from the local chief executive and support of the police and law enforcing agencies,” he said.
Banias also lauded the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit for its recent successful anti-illegal drug operations. He also commended the Iloilo Police Province Office for not letting up in its crime prevention efforts and the Bureau of Fire Protection for its relentless campaign on fire safety.
Banias further assured continuous support of the provincial government to the law enforcing agencies.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has expressed support for the procurement of training K9 dogs for use by the PDEA and the police in their anti-illegal drugs operations.
The province will also be extending financial assistance to the family of the one soldier who died and one who was wounded during the encounter with the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) at Sitio Agdalusan, Brgy. Jayobo in Lambunao last September.
Banias said they have already instructed the Provincial Engineer’s Office to prepare an estimate for the procurement of solar lights for the perimeter camp of the 301st Brigade of the Philippine Army.
He added that the provincial government will be providing support to the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).
Moreover, it will also procure fire safety equipment and materials in support of the BFP. (Capitol News)