PNP chief Aglipay visits Ilocos Sur
by Freddie G. Lazaro
VIGAN CITY (17 January) -- The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had lauded the efforts of the local policemen here due to their good accomplishments in curbing criminality in the Ilocos region.
Director General Edgardo Aglipay, Chief of the PNP, had visited Vigan City on the other day to renew its call in the all-out war against the proliferation of illegal - drugs in the Ilocos region.
"I would like to congratulate all the policemen in the Ilocos Region for complying all orders in neutralizing criminal gangs, apprehending several wanted persons and solving unsolved crimes," he said.
"All unsolved cases should be resolved if we want to have a peaceful and secured Ilocos Sur," he added.
According to Aglipay, Region I is one of the top 3 performer nationwide in terms of accomplishment in crime and illegal drug prevention.
He acknowledged the major role of the people's organization in preventing criminality and the proliferation of illegal drugs in the community.
"I am appealing to all the people in the barangays to continue their support to our local policemen in preventing illegal drugs and criminality by reporting any people related to illegal drugs trade and other crime syndicates. If we cannot help our policemen, then we cannot attain a peaceful community," Aglipay said.
Based on the Drug Prevention Program on the national government, Aglipay disclosed the four core activities in fighting Drug Abuse such as: Prevention - handled by the Department of Education (DepEd); Enforcement - assigned to the PNP and PDEA; Rehabilitation - concerned by the Department of Health (DOH); and After - Care - handled by the DSWD.
"If we do all these things, this will totally resolve our drug problems in the whole country," he said.
As to the reported insufficient firearms of police forces in the upland towns of the province, Aglipay promised to send more firearms upon submission of the necessary requirements by Ilocos Sur police director, Senior Superintendent Mario B. Subagan.
"We can send firearms to Ilocos Sur but I will ask first for the justification by Col. Subagan," he said.
Although the Ilocos region have no any reported TABA (Tamad, Abusado, Bastos and Arogante) cops, Aglipay announced that a Value Formation School for all police officers in Northern Luzon is already set up in Clark, Pampanga.
This is to make the policemen to be God - centered in servicing the people as well as change the "siga" image of the policemen.
"If you put God as the center of your life; if you serve your people who is against you; if you love your family, they always support you morally and spiritually and for all you know, they will be proud of you," Aglipay concluded. (PIA-Vigan) [top]
