Gov. Edgar Chatto reiterated the message of strengthening the province in the fight against criminality, illegal drugs, and other disturbances to peace.
Speaking at the Orientation-Workshop on Peace and Order attended by mayors, chiefs of police, municipal local government operations officers and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the National Police Commission, Chatto said Bohol faces greater challenges in national policy to eliminate drug and substance abuse.
He highlighted the importance of reinforcing efforts at local level, committing to continued and consistent support for the PNP by the Provincial Government as well as related enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
Chatto said a program succeeds when sectors of the society are looking at one direction and are working hand in hand. as he cited humble hearts in sincere and dedicated service as a primary value in ensuring a better Bohol. as well as repeatedly stressed on commitment to strengthen relations with LGUs.
For his part, PSSupt. Felipe Natividad emphasized that Bohol holds the highest record in the region for surrenderees in the anti-illegal drug program, also noting reduction in crimes due to the surrender of drug personalities.
Natividad said the anti-illegal drug program is now on its third stage of intervention where evaluation is being conducted by municipal health officers and social workers, who themselves are undergoing training for the evaluation process.
On the part of the Provincial Government, Chatto said the establishment of a drug rehabilitation center with the support of the Department of Health is being fasttracked. Recognizing that not all surrenderees will need rehabilitation, a center for drug education and counseling will also be created.
The governor said a broad spectrum and synchronized reintegration program will have to be formed in order for families, local leaders, and the entire community to be able to properly perform roles in normalizing lives of drug personalities.
Although he recognized that this a tall order, Chatto however remains confident especially with previous creation of Task Force Dagon as well as reactivation of anti-drug councils to complement national anti-illegal drugs program.
New PDEA-7 Regional Director Yogi Filemon who was present during the forum also vowed the agency is committed to counter drug personalities, consistent with ongoing national campaign.
At the orientation-workshop organized by the DILG led by Provincial Director LouisellaLucino, mayors, police chiefs, and MLGOOs were presented discussions on the functions of peace and order councils, formulation of peace and public safety plans, confidential fund utilization, and community and service oriented policy system.