The fourth quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-10 convened with 34 members to discuss critical updates for fortifying peace and stability across the region.
The agenda covered updates on special action committees on anti-criminality efforts, on anti-insurgency measures and preventing violent extremism, on public safety, updates on the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, and the 2022 Peace and Order Council audit results.
Pioneering harmony
The City of Iligan served as the host for cooperative initiatives aimed at enhancing peace and security in the area.
Mayor Frederick Siao expressed deep gratitude to all the RPOC members for their commitment to the safety and well-being of the region’s citizens.
“When the world is faced with numerous challenges, the significance of regional cooperation cannot be overstated. As we navigate the complexities of our times, we must stand united and learn from one another, working hand-in-hand to address issues that affect us all,” he said.
Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao receives recognition for hosting the fourth quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-10. (Photo: ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Upholding peace
RPOC Chairperson and Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo acknowledged concerns raised after the bombing incident at the Mindanao State University-Main Campus in Marawi City on December 3. Despite the proximity of Iligan to Marawi, they decided to proceed with the meeting to demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to continue working amidst such incidents. They aimed to showcase resilience and the government’s determination to promote peace, protect constituents, and not yield to threats.
Regional Peace and Order Council-10 Chairperson and Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo presides over the fourth quarter meeting. (Photo: ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
“RPOC-10 is always there sa ubang local government units (LGUs). Kung unsa ang problema o concerns of each member-LGU, as much as possible, kung unsa makaya namo, we will respond and help in any way we can. Mao na ang among commitments to all the member LGUs in the region [RPOC-10 is always there for other local government units]. Whatever the problems or concerns of each member-LGU, as much as possible, whatever we can do, we will respond and help in any way we can. That is our commitment to all the member LGUs in the region],” he said.
The Police Regional Office-10 presented a comprehensive report during the council meeting outlining their robust actions between April and November 2023. Their initiatives resulted in significant strides against illegal activities by conducting 340 operations against illegal gambling, arresting 714 individuals, and confiscating items worth P195,901. They also neutralized wanted persons, addressing 2 Most Wanted Persons with rewards, 302 without rewards, and 773 others.
Additionally, they conducted 616 operations for loose firearms dubbed Kontra Boga, resulting in 145 arrests and the confiscation, recovery, and surrender of 530 firearms. The
Oplan Katok’s 19,279 house visits yielded 1,263 firearms for safekeeping and 1,015 firearm renewals. Moreover, 952 individuals were apprehended under simultaneous anti-criminality law enforcement operations.
Meanwhile, the accomplishment report of the collaborative efforts between the 4th Infantry Division (ID), 1st ID, and 10th ID of the Philippine Army from August 1 to November 25, 2023, highlighted various campaign efforts to ensure peace in the region.
These efforts were conducted to prevent the recruitment of communist terrorists and local terrorist groups, prevent violent extremism, dismantle enemy political structures, destroy enemy capabilities, and delegitimize enemy narratives through social media operations, symposia, and media interviews.
“The divisions are doing their best na ma-accomplish ang [to accomplish the] mission by the end of the year because we are given the target at the end of the year. We are hoping that with the current situations and current accomplishments, ma-achieve nato na [we will achieve] the soonest possible time. With the help of everyone, we are hoping and we are positive that we will be able to accomplish the mission,” 4ID Commanding General and RPOC-10 Vice Chairperson Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II said.
Some members of the Regional Peace and Order Council-10 join in the fourth quarter meeting. (Photo: ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Enhancing public safety
For the third quarter of the year, the Bureau of Fire Protection conducted 29,267 fire safety inspections in Northern Mindanao and responded to 128 emergencies.
On the other hand, the Land Transportation Office apprehended 447 individuals for violating Republic Act (RA) 10054, also known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, which mandates the use of standard protective helmets for all riders and passengers to ensure road safety.
Additionally, 865 individuals were apprehended for breaching RA 8750, the Seat Belt Use Act of 1999, which requires the compulsory use of seat belts by both drivers and passengers in private vehicles to mitigate injury risks during accidents. Moreover, 4,108 individuals were apprehended for various violations related to different transportation laws.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense carried out the accreditation of community disaster volunteers and organized training sessions covering public service continuity planning, incident command systems, and more.
Regarding barangay road clearing, the Department of the Interior and Local Government conducted operations in 1,868 barangays, accounting for 92.38% of all barangays in the region. Moreover, as of December 5, 2023, DILG has released P17.178 million in assistance to 528 former rebels (FRs). This aid includes immediate support, livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, and reintegration assistance to facilitate the reintegration of FRs into society.
Collectively, these peace and order efforts epitomize the region’s unwavering commitment to fortify peace, enforce security, and ensure public safety. The collective drive for collaboration stands as a testament to Northern Mindanao’s determination to foster a harmonious and secure future for all its people. (LELA, edited by RTP/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
