LOCAL government and police officials in South Cotabato were told to intensify the campaign against crime gangs to ensure the safety and security of the people in the province.
Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II issued the call as he distributed brand-new patrol jeeps for seven towns of South Cotabato province on Friday.
Department of the Interior and Local Government officials did not explain why it was Roxas, who is not in the chain of command, is the official who is distributing the patrol jeeps, instead of the senior National Police officials, all of whom are either holding office in an acting or officer in charge capacity.
The initial recipients of the patrol jeeps were the towns of Banga, Norala, T’boli, Tampakan, Tantangan, Lake Sebu and Santo Niño.
The municipalities of Surallah, Tupi and Polomolok will receive their patrol jeeps this week.
For his part, Chief Supt. Lester Camba, Central Mindanao police commander, said the distribution of the patrol jeeps in the region composed of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City is timely and will boost the local police’s crime-fighting capabilities.
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Mayor Antonio Fungan said it will help the police reach upland barangays, boosting peace and effort in areas seldom covered by patrolling policemen.
“Iyong malalayong lugar, mararating na nang mabilis ng ating mga pulis, lalo na sa mga matataas na barangay,” he said. PNA
Polomolok Mayor Honey Lumayag-Matti said the patrol jeep will boost her town’s projection of being an investment haven owing to the relatively good peace and order situation, which has to be maintained given the increasing town population.
“We are planning to donate [to the local police] two patrol cars this year as well so itong patrol jeep plus iyong dalawa na bibilihin namin will show to potential investors that their business is safe. More business means more jobs for the people,” she said.
PNA