Governor Bong Lacson, newly appointed chairperson of the Regional Peace and order Council (RPOC), presided over the First Quarter RPOC Meeting held at District 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, Tuesday (March 20).
In his speech, the governor thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DILG Secretary and NPOC Chairperson Atty. Benjamin Abalos, Jr. for the trust and confidence on his appointment as RPOC chairperson.
The council discussed the expansion of the composition of RPOC 6, and the peace and order situation and preparations on the observance of the upcoming Holy Week in the region.
Meanwhile, PDEA VI also reported on the illegal drugs situation in Region 6 during the meeting.
Gov. Lacson enjoined the local Peace and Order Councils, to continue to support the AFP and PNP in their peace advocacies.
“The creation of Peace and Order Councils is a recognition of the fact that by promoting participatory governance and active participation of all sectors in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda, we will be able to address the rifts that divide the nation and the roots of conflicts,” he said.
We in the government must extend our hand farther to usher and uplift not just the returnees, but also those affected by the conflict, and our efforts must include the provision of enabling and capacitating mechanisms,” he added.
He said that recognizing that insurgencies, drug abuse, internal disturbances, tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats are not only military concerns but are symptomatic of broader social, economic, and historical problems, and are significant advancements for the attainment of lasting and sustainable peace for the country.
Present at the meeting were DILG Region VI Juan Jovian Ingeniero, PRO6 Regional Director PBGen Leo Francisco, PDEA VI Acting Regional Director Melvin Estoque and other RPOC members.
