Bacolod City – Various regional peace and order councils all over the country have been tasked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address cases of political violence and illegal drug trade in their areas, yesterday disclosed Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, chair of RPOC Western Visayas.
Lacson, who attended the 1st Joint National Peace and Order Council and RPOC meeting in Malacañang on April 18, however, said that President Marcos did not mention specific areas in country where cases of political violence are rampant, including the proliferation of the illegal drug trade.
This comes after also the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, whose political rivals are being linked to his death.
Marcos Jr. disclosed during the meeting, which was also attended by Vice President Sara Duterte and Interior and Local Gov. Secretary Benhur Abalos, that political violence and the illegal drug trade are the two biggest concerns threatening peace and order in the country.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police earlier said that 49 of its members will be charged, for allegedly acting “for their own gain and interest,” in the seizure of 900 kilos of shabu from a former police officer, who was released after his arrest.
In his speech during the joint NPOC and RPOC meeting, Marcos noted the increase in violent activities after last year’s May elections.
The other overwhelming problem confronting the country today when it comes to peace and order is violence perpetrated by drug syndicates quarreling over territory, with the involvement of some members of the police force, he added.
As RPOC chairperson of Western Visayas, Lacson said it is imperative for the PNP, especially RD (Regional Director) Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, for them to be updated on the situation in Western Visayas, and to give better assurance that the incoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will be peaceful. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)