RPOC pushes for stronger war against illegal drugs

BANAUE, Ifugao – The Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) tackled strategies to strengthen the fight against illegal drugs in the region during their first quarter meeting held at the Banaue Hotel February 10.

Among the major points in the assembly included the creation of drug rehabilitation centers, like the Ifugao Reflection Camp, in each province including Baguio City.

RPOC chair and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan urged local government officials to incorporate existing programs to come up with an improved drug rehabilitation framework for surrenderees in their localities.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-Cordillera regional director Chief Superintendent Francis Elmo Sarona raised the issue of sustaining the momentum on the war against illegal drugs with the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered to stop drug-related operations na-

tionwide.

During the meeting, LGUs were advised to strategize in maximizing the presence of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the PNP who are still bound to uphold peace and order in the community.

The council has also looked into improving road networks in the hardest-reached municipalities and barangays, where marijuana plantations are often found. Among the municipalities and barangays included in the proposed road network improvement are Tinglayan, Kalinga; Tadian, Mountain Province; Takadang in Kibungan, Benguet, and Ahin in Tinoc, Ifugao. Improved road networks are seen to encourage marijuana planters to shift to legal activities.

Planned interventions for surrendeeers through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, other projects under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and the reactivation of the regional Presidential Management Staff were also discussed after the presentation of updates on the peace and order situation and recent attack of alleged members of the National Peoples’ Army.

The RPOC second quarter meeting is set on June 23 in the City of Tabuk, Kalinga.