GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) — The Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Soccsksargen region emphasized its accomplishments in maintaining peace and order and combating terrorism through its battle cry, “Serbisyo, Karangalan at Katarungan.”
On August 6, during the 11th episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, police presented to the public the outcomes of their efforts to address the issue of peace and order, including terrorism to protect the people in the region.
Police Brig. Gen. James E. Gulmatico, the newly-designated officer-in-charge of PRO-12, said that the police force’s initiative and unwavering commitment have had a significant impact, leading to positive successes in peacebuilding and crime reduction efforts in Region 12.
“Ang ating relentless effort for peacebuilding ay nagresulta sa pagsurrender ng 464 Counter Terrorist Groups (CTG) and 217 Local Terrorist Groups (LTG),” he said.
(Our relentless effort for peacebuilding resulted in the surrender of 464 Counter Terrorist Groups and 217 Local Terrorist Groups.)
According to him, the initiative is being carried out more effectively, as 42 CTGs and seven LTGs were detained, while 19 CTGs and seven LTGs lost their lives during pursuit operations.
Furthermore, police recovered 128 assorted rifles and 25 explosives from LTGs during operations, as well as 229 assorted firearms and 123 explosives from CTGs.
Gulmatico also highlighted the government’s assistance to former rebels or surrenderers through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“Ang mga kapatid natin mula sa makakaliwang grupo ay isasailalim sa programa ng E-CLIP o ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program kung saan sila ay mabibigyan ng mga iba’t-ibang tulong, kaalaman, at kasanayan na kanilang magagamit sa pagbabagong buhay,” he said, urging those who are still hiding to come back to the fold of the law.
(The government’s E-CLIP will take care of our brothers and sisters who surrendered, providing them with various assistance, knowledge, and skills to transform their lives.)
The official also gave former rebels the assurance that the government will continue to provide them with the support and care they need to begin a new life.
Gulmatico also reported a notable decline in crimes in the region from April 2022 to June 2024, attributing it to the effective crime prevention measures by different police units.
Under his leadership, Gulmatico vowed to continue enforcing strategic moves and tactics to sustain the successful campaign, preserve the region’s peace and order, and deter terrorism at all costs. (SRP/CTA – PIA SarGen)
