Duterte cites the important role of brgy watchmen

DAVAO CITY, Dec 12 (PIA) Mayor Rodrigo  Duterte lauded all barangay watchmen for the city’s title as the fourth most livable city in the world.

He dubbed the barangay watchmen as the first line of defense against criminality.

Duterte gave away Thursday the honorarium and cash gift to the barangay watchmen who play a crucial role in reducing crimes against property in their respective areas of responsibility.

He said every tanod received P2, 400 and a cash-gift at P500.

Duterte said peace must start at the barangay level.

“If there’s stability in the peace and order in the barangays, it will follow that the whole city will also be peaceful,” he said.

Duterte urged them to continue their work since it will be their family members who will again the dividends of peace.

He affirmed that stable peace and order is good for business.

He projected that the another business process outsourcing firm will be opening in the city bringing in seven thousand jobs for its residents.

“Law and order is felt in the city,” Duterte said.

Duterte also urged the police and military authorities to take a second look on the national highway from Quezon, Bukidnon towards the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental following the bus blast and the ambush of a lawmaker, respectively in the past two days.

He said it is clear that there are lawless elements operating in those areas.

Duterte also told the local police and military to be vigilant all the time.

“That is why I got to be overprotective.  You have to stretch your understanding to soldiers who would lose patience.  They render work more than eight hours a day,” he said.

Duterte thanked God that the city is spared from violent incidents happening in other areas of Mindanao.

However, he stressed that he does not discount the possibility of a terror plot for the city being the hub of all human activities in Mindanao.

“We just have to work our way up to make a presentation of what the city is,” Duterte said.

He also asserted that all the bans in firecrackers and liquor beyond 1:00 am stays.

Duterte said these policies have been material in instilling law and order. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)