TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — Members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (POC), Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC), and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) convened for a stronger collaboration to combat criminality, illegal drugs, insurgency, and violent extremism while ensuring the protection and welfare of the people during disasters or emergencies.
During the 2nd quarter meeting of the three councils, Gov. Imelda “Angging” Quibranza Dimaporo emphasized the significant achievements made in the province, such as recalibrating engagement strategies to build lasting peace and development for Moro Islamic Liberation Front communities and addressing climate change-induced hazards. She also emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in the face of natural and human-induced challenges, like typhoons, floods, and landslides.
“Let us always remember that our actions today will shape the future, safety, and prosperity of our beloved Lanao del Norte,” she said.
The meeting discussed security updates from the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade and 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, peace and order updates from the Philippine National Police (PNP), anti-illegal drug efforts from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bilal community resettlement and development updates from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, disaster management updates and accomplishments from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), damage and losses assessment from El Niño 2024 by the PAO, Gawad KALASAG self-assessment results, and the 5 percent Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund utilization report from the PDRRMO.
The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO) reported a significant decrease in incidents from April 1 to June 24, with 237 incidents compared to 260 incidents in the same period in 2023, reflecting an 8.85 percent reduction. This included a decrease of 4 incidents (2.15 percent) in the Peace and Order Index (POI) and 19 incidents (25.68 percent) in the Public Safety Index (PSI) due to proactive law enforcement measures.
For the eight focus crimes, there is a 37.29 percent decrease, with 37 incidents in the current period compared to 59 in the previous period. Although crime clearance efficiency decreased by 8.11 percent, crime solution efficiency increased by 13.65 percent.
LDN PPO, PCol Roy A. Magsalay, reiterated their commitment to continuing the PNP’s programs and plans, emphasizing the need to update and sustain existing initiatives.
“This will not be possible without the help of LGUs and other stakeholders, especially the community and the people who live in the province. The PNP cannot do it alone; we need to work together to sustain the peace and order we have and to maintain Lanao del Norte as a home of beauty and bounty,” he said.
Furthermore, the provincial government handed over four motorcycles to increase the Philippine Army’s mobility. The 5th Mechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion received two, the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion received one, and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade received one.
“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Gov. kasi all out support nya in terms sa peace and order kaya hindi kami nahihirapan sa coordination with local government from the provincial government down to the municipal level,” LtCol Juvegleen S. Escandor, commander of the Kaagapay Battalion, said.
(We are grateful to the Governor for her full support in terms of peace and order, which makes it easier for us to coordinate with the local government from the provincial down to the municipal level.)
He also said these motorcycles will enhance the Army’s mobility for operations, intelligence, and civil-military activities in sustaining peace and order in the province.
During the meeting, it was reported that 1,009 farmers and fisherfolk were affected by El Niño in 2024. A total of 919.59 hectares were affected, with 786.58 hectares completely damaged and 133.01 hectares partially damaged. The affected areas included 63.78 hectares of rice, 413.19 hectares of corn, 124.89 hectares of high-value commercial crops, and 317.73 hectares of fisheries.
To address this, affected farmers and fisherfolk are set to receive cash assistance through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families of the Office of the President. The Department of Agriculture-10 and Provincial Agriculture Office also provided corn seeds, vegetable seeds, farm tools, foliar fertilizers, soil ameliorants for rice farmers, and technical assistance.
Moreover, the PDRRMC council conducted coastal clean-ups and environmental fora in illegal logging and quarry hotspots and strengthened information, education, and communication efforts to prevent illegal quarrying at 32 registered quarry sites. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
