TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Provincial Development Council, and the Provincial Localized Normalization Implementation Committee gathered to deliberate on strategies and exchange updates aimed at preserving peace, advancing development, and combating illegal drugs.
The meeting brought together the provincial government, law enforcement agencies, local government units, and key stakeholders to align strategies on pressing issues, including security, development, and anti-drug campaigns.
“I understand that some may feel I sound repetitive when addressing the rising cases of illegal drugs, but let me emphasize—this is a fight we cannot afford to ignore,” Gov. Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo said, who presided over the meeting.
She highlighted the cascading societal issues linked to illegal drugs, such as robbery, illegal gambling, and heinous crimes like rape and murder.
The governor called for stronger efforts to combat the drug trade, emphasizing the need to focus on targeting major players, or “the big fish.”
With the 2025 elections nearing, Dimaporo emphasized the importance of vigilance and heightened security measures to safeguard communities from potential disturbances.
“Let us not be swayed by the games of politics. Instead, let us remain sincere and steadfast in fulfilling our roles and mandates, always prioritizing the greater good of the majority,” she said.
The meeting saw the presentation of updates on proactive measures to maintain peace in conflict-prone areas, intensified anti-drug campaigns, and ongoing socio-economic development projects aimed at uplifting the province’s residents. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity also shared updates on camp transformation and normalization efforts, underscoring the commitment to integrating former combatants into mainstream society.
A significant highlight of the gathering was the launching and book signing of The Harmonization Journey to Success, a coffee table book showcasing inter-agency collaborations towards peace and order in Lanao del Norte. Dimaporo led the ceremonial event alongside MGen. Rey B. Alemania, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other dignitaries.
“This coffee table book is more than a collection of pages—it is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It symbolizes our shared vision of peace and prosperity for Lanao del Norte,” the governor said.
Moreover, Dimaporo underscored the importance of unity and collaboration and called on the stakeholders to build on their collective strengths for the betterment of the province. (PIO Lanao del Norte/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
